What is the UCMJ Article 77?

The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) is the governing law of the United States Armed Forces. Article 77 of the UCMJ is the article that establishes the legal system of the United States military and outlines how it is applied and enforced. This article states that all persons subject to the UCMJ are subject to the full range of jurisdiction, punishment, and procedural rights that are contained in the UCMJ. UCMJ Article 77 details that military members who commit a crime are subject to investigation, prosecution, court martial, and punishment according to the UCMJ. It also establishes that those in the armed forces have the right to a fair and impartial trial and the right to legal counsel. Furthermore, it outlines the types of offenses that are considered under the UCMJ, such as crimes against the state, disobedience of lawful orders, and absence without leave. Article 77 of the UCMJ also outlines the highest court within the military justice system, which is the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces (CAAF). CAAF is the highest court in the U.S. military, and its rulings are binding on all lower courts. Ultimately, the UCMJ Article 77 serves as the foundation of the US military legal system, providing the framework for how crimes committed by military members are handled and what rights they are guaranteed.

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