What types of punishments can be handed down in a court-martial?

In the state of Washington, the punishments that can be handed down in a court-martial vary depending on the nature and severity of the offense. In general, potential punishments can include fines, confinement, forfeiture of pay, and/or reduction in rank. For minor offenses, punishments such as restriction to a certain location, extra duties, or loss of privileges may be imposed rather than a more severe punishment. If the offender is convicted of a felony, imprisonment or even death may be handed down. If the offense is more serious in nature, such as betrayal of a fellow soldier, a discharge from the military, typically with a dishonorable distinction, is usually the punishment imposed. This causes the offender to be removed from the military and can impede their ability to find future employment. The court-martial also has the ability to impose a combination of punishments for more serious offenses. This means that the offender may have to face multiple punishments such as being dishonorably discharged from the military and being required to pay a fine. Regardless of the type of punishment handed down, all sentences are approved by the presiding judge and must abide by the Uniform Code of Military Justice. This document, which is applicable both on and off base, serves as a set of rules and guidelines that all military personnel must obey.

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What types of punishments can be handed down in a court-martial?

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