Are confessions admissible as evidence in a court-martial?

The answer to this question depends on the court-martial. Generally speaking, confessions obtained under duress and with improper inducement are not admissible in any court of law, including court-martials. A confession or admission of guilt can be admissible as evidence in a court-martial if it is voluntary. In California, if a confession is obtained in a manner that would be considered inadmissible in other US criminal proceedings, then it would not be admissible in a court-martial in California. The US military has set rules pertaining to confession statements in US court-martials. The rule states that no confession, admission, or statement obtained from any person accused in a court-martial shall be admissible in evidence against them unless it appears beyond a reasonable doubt that the same was voluntarily made and obtained without any promise, inducement, or threat of any kind. In addition, all accused persons must be informed in writing of their right to remain silent and that any statement they make can be used against them in a court-martial. Therefore, if a confession statement is not voluntary, then it is not admissible as evidence in a court-martial and cannot be used against the defendant.

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Are confessions admissible as evidence in a court-martial?

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