What are the different types of court-martials?

In Texas, there are three types of court-martials: summary court-martial, special court-martial, and general court-martial. A summary court-martial is a trial for minor military offenses that is presided over by one commissioned officer. In a special court-martial, the accused is tried by three or more commissioned officers. This court hears cases that are more serious than the summary court-martial, but less serious than those tried by a general court-martial. In a general court-martial, a panel of at least five officers, but not more than thirteen officers, presides over the trial and passes sentence. This court is used to try the most serious offenses that involve the military. The court-martial also hears cases involving servicemembers accused of lesser offenses if the commanding officer decides that a general court-martial is appropriate. The accused have the right to be represented by a military defense lawyer in all three types of court-martials. If the accused is found guilty in any court-martial, a sentence may be imposed, including confinement, reduction in rank, and other punitive measures.

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What are the different types of court-martials?

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