Can a person refuse to accept an Article 15?

A person indeed has the right to refuse an Article 15, which is a non-judicial punishment under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). When an Article 15 is offered, the service member can opt to decline this form of punishment and instead demand a trial by court-martial. This option is provided to protect the service member’s rights, ensuring that they can receive a more formal legal proceeding where they can fight the charges against them with all the rights and protections accorded in a court-martial setting.

The ability to refuse an Article 15 in favor of a court-martial allows the accused to have a chance to present their case fully and have legal representation, which may not be available during the Article 15 process. Thus, choosing this path can be seen as a way to seek a fair consideration of the circumstances surrounding the alleged offense.

In contrast, the other options imply either a lack of agency in deciding on the form of punishment or suggest alternatives that do not align with the legal provisions offered under the UCMJ regarding non-judicial punishment.