What is NJP, or non-judicial punishment?

Non-judicial punishment, commonly known as NJP, is a form of military law used to address minor offenses in California. This type of punishment is most often used in cases where a court-martial or other form of tribunal might be too serious for the situation. NJP is not a formal trial and it does not require the same level of proof as a court-martial would. In California, any NJP process must be conducted in accordance with the procedures outlined in Manual for Courts-Martial, Part V. This manual outlines the types of offenses that can be punished under NJP, what punishments may be imposed, and the procedures for conducting an NJP hearing. The most common form of NJP is called Article 15, which is the most common form of non-judicial punishment in the United States military. When an Article 15 is issued, the accused is given the opportunity to accept or reject the punishment. If the accused rejects the punishment, then a court-martial may then be convened. The punishments that can be imposed for an Article 15 may include a reprimand, forfeiture of pay, restriction to a specified area, or extra duties. NJP may be less severe than a court-martial, however, the accused’s record will still reflect the punishment. In California, if the accused is found guilty by court-martial, the punishment may be more severe and can involve jail time or even a dishonorable discharge. NJP allows the military to address minor offenses without having to resort to more severe punishments.

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What is NJP, or non-judicial punishment?

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