What is an adjudicative authority?

An adjudicative authority is an individual or organization that is responsible for deciding the outcome of a military case in Virginia. This may involve making determinations on whether a service member has committed a crime and the appropriate punishment for that crime. Adjudicative authorities can also be tasked with making decisions about promotions, assignments, awards and other administrative matters. In Virginia, adjudicative authorities typically include a court-martial panel, commanding officers, individual military judges and other personnel depending on the situation. Each adjudicative authority is required to strictly adhere to the Uniform Code of Military Justice when making decisions, and take into account both the law and the circumstances of the case. Adjudicative authorities in Virginia also have the authority to reduce any sentence imposed upon a service member or sentence the service member to a lesser offense.

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