What type of offenses can be tried by a special court-martial?
In Tennessee, special court-martial is a type of trial reserved for military offenses. All branches of the military in Tennessee have their own rules and regulations and any offenses that violate these rules can be tried in a special court-martial. Examples of offenses which are generally tried by a special court-martial include, but are not limited to, misdemeanors such as larceny, drunkenness, and assault; dereliction of duty; and willful disobedience of orders. Other types of offenses which could be tried by special court-martial include violations of Articles 92, 107, 134, and 134a of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, which covers topics such as disloyalty, conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman, and other issues concerning good order and discipline. Keep in mind that special court-martials are considered a less serious punishment than general court-martial, which can result in harsher penalties such as a dishonorable discharge or a jail sentence. However, the punishments for a special court-martial can still include a reduction in rank, confinement, forfeiture of pay, and/or a bad conduct discharge, depending on the severity of the offense. It is important to remember that military law is much stricter than civilian law and that any offense committed by an active service member is taken much more seriously. As such, it is important for service members to have a basic understanding of the law and the offenses which can be tried in a special court-martial.
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