What are the three types of court martial?

The three types of court-martial in the military justice system are Summary, Special, and General courts-martial. Each type serves different purposes and has varying degrees of authority concerning the offenses they can address.

A Summary court-martial is designed for minor offenses and is the least formal type. It allows for a more streamlined process, typically involving a single officer who serves as the judge and jury, ensuring quicker resolutions for less serious infractions.

A Special court-martial is more serious than a summary court-martial and typically includes a panel of at least three members. It can handle moderate offenses and is formal in nature, allowing for more comprehensive procedures than a summary court-martial while still being less formal than a general court-martial.

A General court-martial is the most serious type and is capable of adjudicating the most severe offenses, including felonies. This type involves a panel of military officers and can impose severe penalties, including the possibility of a dishonorable discharge and imprisonment at hard labor.

Understanding these distinctions is critical for anyone involved in military law, as each court-martial type has specific procedures and applicable offenses, influencing the outcomes for service members accused of misconduct.