How does the chain of command factor into a court-martial?

In Tennessee, the chain of command plays an important role in a court-martial. The court-martial is a type of trial used by the military to address criminal conduct of military personnel. The chain of command is the hierarchy within the military that outlines the jobs and responsibilities of each service member. The chain of command includes the commanding officer, superior officers, and other personnel assigned to the unit. The chain of command is used in a court-martial in several ways. First, the commanding officer is responsible for deciding if a service member will be charged with a crime and what form of punishment should be administered. The commanding officer also decides if a court-martial should occur. If the decision is made to proceed with a court-martial, the members of the court-martial will be selected according to the chain of command. The chain of command also ensures that court-martial proceedings are conducted by the proper authority. Any service member found guilty of a crime is subject to the punishment set by the court-martial panel, but any punishments over a certain level must be approved by the commanding officer before they can be enforced. Finally, the chain of command has a role in the appeals process. After a court-martial, either the accused or the prosecution may file an appeal with the chain of command. The chain of command then reviews the case and makes a determination as to whether or not the court-martial was proper and fair. If there is evidence of an unfair trial, the chain of command can order a new court-martial or order a more lenient punishment.

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How does the chain of command factor into a court-martial?

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