What is the UCMJ Article 134?

The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) Article 134 is a part of the United States federal law that establishes criminal offenses for members of the U.S. Military. This article lays out general principles that are applicable to all cases involving a service member. Article 134 is made up of five sections: general article, affecting good order and discipline, conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman, crimes and offenses, and non-capital punishment. General article is a catch-all provision, which states that any offense not mentioned in the article may still be punishable if it is prejudicial to good order and discipline. Affecting good order and discipline covers offenses such as mutiny, failure to obey an order, or desertion. Conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman covers offenses such as drunkenness, disrespectful behavior, or adultery. Crimes and offenses covers violence against persons, destruction of property and personal belongings, and frauds against the military. Non-capital punishment lists all the available punishments for an offense, such as fines, forfeiture of pay, and confinement. In Tennessee, the UCMJ Article 134 is used to govern the actions of all military personnel who are stationed in the state. It applies to members of the U.S. Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and Army. This article is used to protect the rights of service members as well as to maintain good order and discipline within the ranks. As such, it is important that all military personnel are aware of the specific details of Article 134 and how it applies to them.

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