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

The differences between a general court-martial and a special court-martial in New Hampshire are plentiful. A general court-martial is the highest level of military court. It is typically presided over by five commissioned officers of the United States Armed Forces and is used to try the most serious offenses, such as desertion, murder, or treason. A special court-martial has a lesser degree of authority than a general court-martial. It is composed of three or more members, who may be military officers, enlisted personnel, or a combination of both. They are authorized to try and decide cases of a more minor nature, such as dereliction of duty, assault, and fraudulent enlistment. General court-martials can impose harsher sentences than special court-martials. The maximum punishment for a general court-martial is the death penalty, while special court-martials can only impose a maximum punishment of one year in prison and a dishonorable discharge. In New Hampshire, both a general court-martial and a special court-martial are held in accordance with the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), a federal law which governs criminal offenses committed by members of the U.S. Armed Forces. Additionally, the President or Secretary of Defense may authorize the appointment of a special court-martial in cases involving very serious charges.

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

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