What is NJP, or non-judicial punishment?

Non-judicial punishment (NJP), or sometimes referred to as “field grade article 15”, is an administrative form of military justice used by commanders of the United States Armed Forces. In Tennessee, NJP is used to punish minor offenses without the need for a court-martial. NJP allows commanders to maintain good order and discipline within the ranks without a lengthy and costly court-martial proceedings. It also allows commanders to punish offenses quickly and with more flexibility than if they had to go through a court-martial. The types of offenses that NJP can be used to punish include minor crimes, engaging in disorderly conduct, minor violations of regulations or orders, and dereliction of duties. In order for a commander to impose NJP on a service member, they must have complete evidence of the alleged offense and must investigate the incident before imposing NJP. Although a commander can impose an NJP, the service member does have certain rights. This includes the right to contest the NJP in front of the commander or to request a hearing before an impartial officer who was not involved in the original investigation. The service member is also entitled to legal representation and any punishment that is imposed must be commensurate with the crime. NJP is a useful tool for commanders in the Tennessee Armed Forces because it allows them to maintain order and discipline without having to go through a lengthy court-martial process. However, it should not be overused, as service members do have rights during the process.

Related FAQs

What is the purpose of a military investigative hearing?
What is the role of an appellate defense counsel?
What is the difference between a court-martial and a board of inquiry?
How is a trial by court-martial different from a civilian trial?
What is the UCMJ Article 33?
What is an adjudicative authority?
What is an Article 134 offense?
What is the purpose of a military court-martial?
How does the Sixth Amendment apply to court-martial proceedings?
What are the potential forms of relief available to an accused in a court-martial?

What is NJP, or non-judicial punishment?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts