How does military law differ from civilian law?

Military law, also known as the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), is the legal framework which governs all branches of the United States military. It differs greatly from civilian law, which is enforced in the United States by local, state and federal governments. One of the major differences between military and civilian law is the level of punishment. In the military, violations of the UCMJ may result in severe punishments, including imprisonment or even death. By comparison, civilian courts rarely impose life sentences, and in some cases, much lighter penalties such as fines and probation. Another difference is the legal process used in military and civilian courts. In military courts, the accused is tried by a military judge and jury. The jury is composed of fellow military members, and its verdict is final. In civilian courts, however, the accused may be tried by either a judge or a jury, and a verdict may be overturned by a higher court. Military law also requires that military personnel abide by regulations that may not apply in civilian life, such as regulations on grooming, dress, and conduct. Civilian laws may be more lenient in these categories, as they are not intended to regulate the discipline of an organization. Lastly, military law grants the president and other military commanders broad authority not available in civilian law. The president may order military action, a process known as deployment, without approval from a court or legislature. In sum, military law differs from civilian law in terms of the level of punishment, the legal process used, the regulations imposed on military personnel, and the broad authority granted to the president.

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How does military law differ from civilian law?

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