What is a military jury?

A military jury is a special type of jury in the military justice system. In Utah, military juries are comprised of at least five members of the armed forces who are appointed by the convening authority. The purpose of the military jury is to evaluate evidence and determine whether a service member accused of a crime is guilty or not guilty. The jury must agree unanimously on a guilty or not guilty verdict. The military jury is usually different from a civilian jury in a number of ways. For example, the jury is made up of military personnel who possess a higher level of expertise in military affairs. Additionally, the jury is made aware of the accused’s rank and the details of the crime in order to make a fairer decision. During the trial, both the prosecution and the defense are allowed to present witnesses and evidence to the jury. The prosecution must prove that the accused is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The defense, on the other hand, must prove that the accused is not guilty. The jury ultimately has the final say in the conviction or acquittal of the accused. In a military trial, the jury’s verdict is final. The decision of the jury cannot be appealed to a higher court like a civilian trial. This can be beneficial for the accused as it can prevent them from suffering prolonged legal proceedings.

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