What is the difference between a general court-martial and a special court-martial?

A general court-martial and a special court-martial are two different types of military trials in California. Both serve to try members of the U.S. armed forces for violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). The main difference between the two is that a general court-martial can impose more severe punishments than a special court-martial. A general court-martial is a trial with a minimum of five officers (with or without a judge advocate) to determine whether a service member is guilty of a crime under the UCMJ. If found guilty, they can be sentenced to a dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, confinement, and death (in cases of capital offenses). A special court-martial is a trial by a minimum of three officers, with or without a judge advocate. They are held for lesser offenses and the punishments given are more lenient. Punishments may include a bad conduct discharge, confinement, loss of pay and allowances, and a reprimand. The decision on whether to try someone in a general court-martial or a special court-martial is up to the convening authority, who is usually a high-ranking officer in the U.S. military. Ultimately, the decision rests with the court-martial panel.

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What is the difference between a general court-martial and a special court-martial?

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