What is the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) Article 120?

The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) Article 120 is a United States Code that defines and sets forth the criminal law applicable to members of the armed forces. It applies to all members of the military, including those on active duty, reserves, and the National Guard. Article 120 of the UCMJ is the criminal code that defines crimes such as rape, sexual assault, and sexual misconduct. It also covers offenses like indecent language and conduct, and maltreatment of prisoners of war. The punishments under Article 120 of the UCMJ range from those that only involve disciplinary action, such as extra duty or restriction, all the way to those that involve a court martial, such as imprisonment and dishonorable discharge. Article 120 of the UCMJ applies to all members of the military, regardless of where they are located, including those in California. California military law follows the same rules as the federal law, but may have a few differences as well. For example, in California, certain misdemeanor offenses may be prosecuted in state court rather than in a court martial. Therefore, it is important for members of the military to understand the differences in state and federal laws, as well as the details of the UCMJ.

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