How is a court-martial case initiated?

A court-martial case is initiated when someone in the military is accused of violating the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). If a member of the military is accused of committing a serious crime, such as desertion or mutiny, they may be tried in a court-martial. A court-martial is a special court convened to try members of the armed forces who are accused of breaking military laws. When a court-martial is initiated, the accused must be notified of the charges they are facing. They must also receive a copy of the charges so they can prepare a defense. Following this, the accused will be given a hearing, where the evidence against them will be presented and a court-martial panel of officers will be selected. Once the court-martial panel is selected, the accused will have the opportunity to present evidence, call witnesses, and make arguments in their own defense. After the defense has presented its case, the court-martial panel will begin its deliberations. The panel will then deliver its verdict, which can include anything from a acquittal to a sentence of death. Once the sentence has been agreed upon, the accused will be informed of the punishment they will receive. Depending on the severity of the charges and the verdict of the court-martial panel, the accused may receive a dishonorable discharge, a reduction in rank, imprisonment, fines, or any combination of these punishments.

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How is a court-martial case initiated?

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