What is the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) Article 31?

The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) Article 31 is a United States military law which requires all personnel of the Armed Forces to answer truthfully any questions asked of them during an investigation. Article 31 specifically states that each service member must respond to any lawful inquiry made by a commissioned officer in an investigation. Service members are not allowed to refuse to answer any questions or omit any information which they are lawfully asked for during the investigation. In addition, no service member can be found guilty of a crime based solely on the information provided during the inquiry. The main purpose of Article 31 is to ensure that all service members are treated fairly by their superiors and that all military personnel follow the same rules. If a service member does not answer truthfully during an inquiry, it may lead to a charge of wrongfully influencing the outcome of the investigation. Even answering a question with an incorrect answer constitutes breaking the law. The rules of Article 31 also apply during formal court-martial proceedings. Military personnel found to be in breach of the law can face harsh punishments, including jail time, fines, and dishonorable discharge. Article 31 is a vital regulation of military law in the United States and is taken seriously by all members of the armed forces.

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What is the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) Article 31?

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