SUBCHAPTER VII—TRIAL PROCEDURE
| Sec. | Art. | |
|---|
| 836. |
36. |
President may prescribe rules. |
| 837. |
37. |
Command influence. |
| 838. |
38. |
Duties of trial counsel and defense counsel. |
| 839. |
39. |
Sessions. |
| 840. |
40. |
Continuances. |
| 841. |
41. |
Challenges. |
| 842. |
42. |
Oaths. |
| 843. |
43. |
Statute of limitations. |
| 844. |
44. |
Former jeopardy. |
| 845. |
45. |
Pleas of the accused. |
| 846. |
46. |
Opportunity to obtain witnesses and other evidence in trials by court-martial. |
| 847. |
47. |
Refusal of person not subject to chapter to appear, testify, or produce evidence. |
| 848. |
48. |
Contempt. |
| 849. |
49. |
Depositions. |
| 850. |
50. |
Admissibility of sworn testimony from records of courts of inquiry. |
| 850a. |
50a. |
Defense of lack of mental responsibility. |
| 851. |
51. |
Voting and rulings. |
| 852. |
52. |
Votes required for conviction, sentencing, and other matters. |
| 853. |
53. |
Findings and sentencing. |
| 853a. |
53a. |
Plea agreements. |
| 854. |
54. |
Record of trial. |
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2021—Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title X, §1081(a)(20), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3871, added item 837 and struck out former item 837 "837. Art. 37. Command influence".
2019—Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title V, §532(b), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1361, in item 837 substituted "Art. 37. Command influence" for "37. Unlawfully influencing action of court".
2017—Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title X, §1081(d)(19)(A), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1601, made technical amendment to Pub. L. 114–328, §5541(4). See 2016 Amendment note below.
2016—Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LXIII, §5541(4), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2966, as amended by Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title X, §1081(d)(19)(A), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1601, added item 853a and substituted "Opportunity to obtain witnesses and other evidence in trials by court-martial" for "Opportunity to obtain witnesses and other evidence" in item 846, "Refusal of person not subject to chapter to appear, testify, or produce evidence" for "Refusal to appear or testify" in item 847, "Contempt" for "Contempts" in item 848, "Admissibility of sworn testimony from records of courts of inquiry" for "Admissibility of records of courts of inquiry" in item 850, "Votes required for conviction, sentencing, and other matters" for "Number of votes required" in item 852, and "Findings and sentencing" for "Court to announce action" in item 853.
1986—Pub. L. 99–661, div. A, title VIII, §802(a)(2), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3906, added item 850a.
§836. Art. 36. President may prescribe rules
(a) Pretrial, trial, and post-trial procedures, including modes of proof, for cases arising under this chapter triable in courts-martial, military commissions and other military tribunals, and procedures for courts of inquiry, may be prescribed by the President by regulations which shall, so far as he considers practicable, apply the principles of law and the rules of evidence generally recognized in the trial of criminal cases in the United States district courts, but which may not, except as provided in chapter 47A of this title, be contrary to or inconsistent with this chapter.
(b) All rules and regulations made under this article shall be uniform insofar as practicable, except insofar as applicable to military commissions established under chapter 47A of this title.
(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 50; Pub. L. 96–107, title VIII, §801(b), Nov. 9, 1979, 93 Stat. 811; Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title XIII, §1301(4), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1668; Pub. L. 109–366, §4(a)(3), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2631.)
In subsection (a), the word "considers" is substituted for the word "deems". The word "may" is substituted for the word "shall".
In subsection (b), the word "under" is substituted for the words "in pursuance of".
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2006—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 109–366, §4(a)(3)(A), inserted ", except as provided in chapter 47A of this title," after "but which may not".
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 109–366, §4(a)(3)(B), inserted before period at end ", except insofar as applicable to military commissions established under chapter 47A of this title".
1990—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 101–510 struck out "and shall be reported to Congress" after "as practicable".
1979—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 96–107 substituted provisions authorizing pretrial, trial, and post-trial procedures for cases under this chapter triable in courts-martial, military commissions and other military tribunals, for provisions authorizing procedure in cases before courts-martial, military commissions, and other military tribunals.
§837. Art. 37. Command influence
(a)(1) No court-martial convening authority, nor any other commanding officer, may censure, reprimand, or admonish the court or any member, military judge, or counsel thereof, with respect to the findings or sentence adjudged by the court, or with respect to any other exercise of its or his functions in the conduct of the proceeding.
(2) No court-martial convening authority, nor any other commanding officer, may deter or attempt to deter a potential witness from participating in the investigatory process or testifying at a court-martial. The denial of a request to travel at government expense or refusal to make a witness available shall not by itself constitute unlawful command influence.
(3) No person subject to this chapter may attempt to coerce or, by any unauthorized means, attempt to influence the action of a court-martial or any other military tribunal or any member thereof, in reaching the findings or sentence in any case, or the action of any convening, approving, or reviewing authority or preliminary hearing officer with respect to such acts taken pursuant to this chapter as prescribed by the President.
(4) Conduct that does not constitute a violation of paragraphs (1) through (3) may include, for example—
(A) general instructional or informational courses in military justice if such courses are designed solely for the purpose of instructing persons on the substantive and procedural aspects of courts-martial;
(B) statements regarding criminal activity or a particular criminal offense that do not advocate a particular disposition, or a particular court-martial finding or sentence, or do not relate to a particular accused; or
(C) statements and instructions given in open court by the military judge or counsel.
(5)(A) Notwithstanding paragraphs (1) through (3), but subject to subparagraph (B)—
(i) a superior convening authority or officer may generally discuss matters to consider regarding the disposition of alleged violations of this chapter with a subordinate convening authority or officer; and
(ii) a subordinate convening authority or officer may seek advice from a superior convening authority or officer regarding the disposition of an alleged offense under this chapter.
(B) No superior convening authority or officer may direct a subordinate convening authority or officer to make a particular disposition in a specific case or otherwise substitute the discretion of such authority or such officer for that of the subordinate convening authority or officer.
(b) In the preparation of an effectiveness, fitness, or efficiency report, or any other report or document used in whole or in part for the purpose of determining whether a member of the armed forces is qualified to be advanced in grade, or in determining the assignment or transfer of a member of the armed forces or in determining whether a member of the armed forces should be retained on active duty, no person subject to this chapter may, in preparing any such report (1) consider or evaluate the performance of duty of any such member as a member of a court-martial, or (2) give a less favorable rating or evaluation of any member of the armed forces because of the zeal with which such member, as counsel, represented any person in a court-martial proceeding.
(c) No finding or sentence of a court-martial may be held incorrect on the ground of a violation of this section unless the violation materially prejudices the substantial rights of the accused.
(d)(1) A superior convening authority or commanding officer may withhold the authority of a subordinate convening authority or officer to dispose of offenses in individual cases, types of cases, or generally.
(2) Except as provided in paragraph (1) or as otherwise authorized by this chapter, a superior convening authority or commanding officer may not limit the discretion of a subordinate convening authority or officer to act with respect to a case for which the subordinate convening authority or officer has authority to dispose of the offenses.
(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 50; Pub. L. 90–632, §2(13), Oct. 24, 1968, 82 Stat. 1338; Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title V, §532(a), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1359.)
The word "may" is substituted for the word "shall".
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2019—Pub. L. 116–92, §532(a)(1), substituted "Command influence" for "Unlawfully influencing action of court" in section catchline.
Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 116–92, §532(a)(2), amended subsec. (a) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (a) read as follows: "No authority convening a general, special, or summary court-martial, nor any other commanding officer, may censure, reprimand, or admonish the court or any member, military judge, or counsel thereof, with respect to the findings or sentence adjudged by the court, or with respect to any other exercise of its or his functions in the conduct of the proceeding. No person subject to this chapter may attempt to coerce or, by any unauthorized means, influence the action of a court-martial or any other military tribunal or any member thereof, in reaching the findings or sentence in any case, or the action of any convening, approving, or reviewing authority with respect to his judicial acts. The foregoing provisions of the subsection shall not apply with respect to (1) general instructional or informational courses in military justice if such courses are designed solely for the purpose of instructing members of a command in the substantive and procedural aspects of courts-martial, or (2) to statements and instructions given in open court by the military judge, president of a special court-martial, or counsel."
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 116–92, §532(a)(3), substituted "advanced in grade" for "advanced, in grade" and "person in a court-martial proceeding" for "accused before a court-martial".
Subsecs. (c), (d). Pub. L. 116–92, §532(a)(4), added subsecs. (c) and (d).
1968—Pub. L. 90–632 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a), substituted "military judge" for "law officer", inserted provisions specifically exempting instructional or general informational lectures on military justice and statements and instructions given in open court by the military judge, president of a special court-martial, or counsel from prohibitions of subsec. (a), and added subsec. (b).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2019 Amendment
Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title V, §532(c), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1361, provided that: "The amendments made by subsections (a) and (b) [amending this section] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 20, 2019] and shall apply with respect to violations of section 837 of title 10, United States Code (article 37 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), committed on or after such date."
Effective Date of 1968 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 90–632 effective first day of tenth month following October 1968, see section 4 of Pub. L. 90–632, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.
§838. Art. 38. Duties of trial counsel and defense counsel
(a) The trial counsel of a general or special court-martial shall prosecute in the name of the United States, and shall, under the direction of the court, prepare the record of the proceedings.
(b)(1) The accused has the right to be represented in his defense before a general or special court-martial or at a preliminary hearing under section 832 of this title (article 32) as provided in this subsection.
(2) The accused may be represented by civilian counsel if provided by him.
(3) The accused may be represented—
(A) by military counsel detailed under section 827 of this title (article 27); or
(B) by military counsel of his own selection if that counsel is reasonably available (as determined under regulations prescribed under paragraph (7)).
(4) If the accused is represented by civilian counsel, military counsel detailed or selected under paragraph (3) shall act as associate counsel unless excused at the request of the accused.
(5) Except as provided under paragraph (6), if the accused is represented by military counsel of his own selection under paragraph (3)(B), any military counsel detailed under paragraph (3)(A) shall be excused.
(6) The accused is not entitled to be represented by more than one military counsel. However, the person authorized under regulations prescribed under section 827 of this title (article 27) to detail counsel, in his sole discretion—
(A) may detail additional military counsel as assistant defense counsel; and
(B) if the accused is represented by military counsel of his own selection under paragraph (3)(B), may approve a request from the accused that military counsel detailed under paragraph (3)(A) act as associate defense counsel.
(7) The Secretary concerned shall, by regulation, define "reasonably available" for the purpose of paragraph (3)(B) and establish procedures for determining whether the military counsel selected by an accused under that paragraph is reasonably available. Such regulations may not prescribe any limitation based on the reasonable availability of counsel solely on the grounds that the counsel selected by the accused is from an armed force other than the armed force of which the accused is a member. To the maximum extent practicable, such regulations shall establish uniform policies among the armed forces while recognizing the differences in the circumstances and needs of the various armed forces. The Secretary concerned shall submit copies of regulations prescribed under this paragraph to the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives.
(c) In any court-martial proceeding resulting in a conviction, the defense counsel—
(1) may forward for attachment to the record of proceedings a brief of such matters as he determines should be considered in behalf of the accused on review (including any objection to the contents of the record which he considers appropriate);
(2) may assist the accused in the submission of any matter under section 860, 860a, or 860b of this title (article 60, 60a, or 60b); and
(3) may take other action authorized by this chapter.
(d) An assistant trial counsel of a general court-martial may, under the direction of the trial counsel or when he is qualified to be a trial counsel as required by section 827 of this title (article 27), perform any duty imposed by law, regulation, or the custom of the service upon the trial counsel of the court. An assistant trial counsel of a special court-martial may perform any duty of the trial counsel.
(e) An assistant defense counsel of a general or special court-martial may perform any duty imposed by law, regulation, or the custom of the service upon counsel for the accused.
(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 50; Pub. L. 90–632, §2(14), Oct. 24, 1968, 82 Stat. 1338; Pub. L. 97–81, §4(b), Nov. 20, 1981, 95 Stat. 1088; Pub. L. 98–209, §3(e), Dec. 6, 1983, 97 Stat. 1394; Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title XV, §1502(a)(1), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 502; Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title X, §1067(1), Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 774; Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title XVII, §1702(c)(3)(C), Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 957; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LVII, §5221, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2909; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title V, §531(c), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1384.)
In subsection (b), the word "has" is substituted for the words "shall have". The word "under" is substituted for the words "pursuant to". The word "duly" is omitted as surplusage. The words "detailed" and "who were detailed" are substituted for the word "appointed", since the filling of the position involved is not appointment to an office in the constitutional sense.
In subsection (c), the word "considers" is substituted for the words "may deem".
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2017—Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 115–91 substituted "section 860, 860a, or 860b of this title (article 60, 60a, or 60b)" for "section 860 of this title (article 60)".
2016—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 114–328 struck out ", under the direction of the defense counsel or when he is qualified to be the defense counsel as required by section 827 of this title (article 27)," after "court-martial may".
2013—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 113–66 substituted "a preliminary hearing under section 832" for "an investigation under section 832".
1999—Subsec. (b)(7). Pub. L. 106–65 substituted "and the Committee on Armed Services" for "and the Committee on National Security".
1996—Subsec. (b)(7). Pub. L. 104–106 substituted "Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on National Security of the House of Representatives" for "Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives".
1983—Subsec. (b)(6). Pub. L. 98–209, §3(e)(1), substituted "the person authorized under regulations prescribed under section 827 of this title (article 27) to detail counsel" for "a convening authority".
Subsec. (b)(7). Pub. L. 98–209, §3(e)(2), inserted provision that such regulations may not prescribe any limitation based on the reasonable availability of counsel solely on the grounds that the counsel selected by the accused is from an armed force other than the armed force of which the accused is a member.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 98–209, §3(e)(3), designated existing provisions as par. (1), made minor changes in phraseology and punctuation, and added pars. (2) and (3).
1981—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 97–81 revised subsec. (b) by dividing its provisions into seven numbered paragraphs and inserted provisions relating to the right to counsel at an investigation under section 832 of this title (article 32), authorizing the promulgation of regulations relating to the "reasonable availability" of military counsel, and authorizing the detailing of additional military counsel for the accused under specified circumstances.
1968—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 90–632 substituted "military judge or by the president of a court-martial without a military judge" for "president of the court".
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2017 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 115–91 effective immediately after the amendments made by div. E (§§5001–5542) of Pub. L. 114–328 take effect as provided for in section 5542 of that Act (10 U.S.C. 801 note), see section 531(p) of Pub. L. 115–91, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.
Effective Date of 2016 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.
Effective Date of 2013 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 113–66 effective on the later of Dec. 26, 2014, or the date of the enactment of the Carl Levin and Howard P. "Buck" McKeon National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 (Dec. 19, 2014) and applicable with respect to preliminary hearings conducted on or after that effective date, see section 1702(d)(1) of Pub. L. 113–66, set out as a note under section 802 of this title.
Effective Date of 1983 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 98–209 effective first day of eighth calendar month after Dec. 6, 1983, but not to affect the designation or detail of a military judge or military counsel to a court-martial before that date, see section 12(a)(1), (2) of Pub. L. 98–209, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.
Effective Date of 1981 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 97–81 to take effect at end of 60-day period beginning on Nov. 20, 1981, and to apply to trials by courts-martial in which all charges are referred to trial on or after that date, see section 7(a) and (b)(4) of Pub. L. 97–81, set out as an Effective Date note under section 706 of this title.
Effective Date of 1968 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 90–632 effective on first day of tenth month following October 1968, see section 4 of Pub. L. 90–632, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.
§839. Art. 39. Sessions
(a) At any time after the service of charges which have been referred for trial to a court-martial composed of a military judge and members, the military judge may, subject to section 835 of this title (article 35), call the court into session without the presence of the members for the purpose of—
(1) hearing and determining motions raising defenses or objections which are capable of determination without trial of the issues raised by a plea of not guilty;
(2) hearing and ruling upon any matter which may be ruled upon by the military judge under this chapter, whether or not the matter is appropriate for later consideration or decision by the members of the court;
(3) holding the arraignment and receiving the pleas of the accused;
(4) conducting a sentencing proceeding and sentencing the accused under section 853(b)(1) of this title (article 53(b)(1)); and
(5) performing any other procedural function which may be performed by the military judge under this chapter or under rules prescribed pursuant to section 836 of this title (article 36) and which does not require the presence of the members of the court.
(b) Proceedings under subsection (a) shall be conducted in the presence of the accused, the defense counsel, and the trial counsel and shall be made a part of the record. These proceedings may be conducted notwithstanding the number of members of the court and without regard to section 829 of this title (article 29). If authorized by regulations of the Secretary concerned, and if at least one defense counsel is physically in the presence of the accused, the presence required by this subsection may otherwise be established by audiovisual technology (such as videoteleconferencing technology).
(c) When the members of a court-martial deliberate or vote, only the members may be present. All other proceedings, including any other consultation of the members of the court with counsel or the military judge, shall be made a part of the record and shall be in the presence of the accused, the defense counsel, the trial counsel, and the military judge.
(d) The findings, holdings, interpretations, and other precedents of military commissions under chapter 47A of this title—
(1) may not be introduced or considered in any hearing, trial, or other proceeding of a court-martial under this chapter; and
(2) may not form the basis of any holding, decision, or other determination of a court-martial.
(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 51; Pub. L. 90–632, §2(15), Oct. 24, 1968, 82 Stat. 1338; Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title V, §541(a), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1565; Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title V, §556, Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3266; Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title XVIII, §1803(a)(2), Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2612; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LVII, §5222, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2909; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title X, §1081(c)(1)(D), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1598.)
The word "When" is substituted for the word "Whenever". The words "deliberates or votes" are substituted for the words "is to deliberate or vote". The word "may" is substituted for the word "shall". The word "shall" is inserted before the words "be in the presence" for clarity.
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2017—Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 115–91 substituted "under section 853(b)(1) of this title (article 53(b)(1))" for "in non-capital cases unless the accused requests sentencing by members under section 825 of this title (article 25)".
2016—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 114–328, §5222(1)(A), struck out "if permitted by regulations of the Secretary concerned," before "holding" and "and" after "accused;".
Subsec. (a)(4), (5). Pub. L. 114–328, §5222(1)(B), (C), added par. (4) and redesignated former par. (4) as (5).
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 114–328, §5222(2), struck out ", in cases in which a military judge has been detailed to the court," after "the trial counsel, and".
2009—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 111–84 added subsec. (d).
2006—Pub. L. 109–163 redesignated concluding provisions of subsec. (a) as subsec. (b), substituted "Proceedings under subsection (a) shall be conducted" for "These proceedings shall be conducted", inserted at end "If authorized by regulations of the Secretary concerned, and if at least one defense counsel is physically in the presence of the accused, the presence required by this subsection may otherwise be established by audiovisual technology (such as videoteleconferencing technology).", and redesignated former subsec. (b) as (c).
1990—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 101–510 inserted at end "These proceedings may be conducted notwithstanding the number of members of the court and without regard to section 829 of this title (article 29)."
1968—Pub. L. 90–632 added subsec. (a), designated existing provisions as subsec. (b), substituted "military judge" for "law officer", and struck out provisions authorizing the court after voting on the findings in a general court-martial to request the law officer and the reporter to appear before the court to put the findings in proper form.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2017 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 115–91 effective immediately after the amendments made by div. E (§§5001–5542) of Pub. L. 114–328 take effect as provided for in section 5542 of that Act (10 U.S.C. 801 note), see section 1081(c)(4) of Pub. L. 115–91, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.
Effective Date of 2016 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.
Effective Date of 1990 Amendment
Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title V, §541(e), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1565, provided that: "The amendments made by subsections (a) through (d) [amending this section and section 841 of this title] shall apply only to a court-martial convened on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 5, 1990]."
Effective Date of 1968 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 90–632 effective first day of tenth month following October 1968, see section 4 of Pub. L. 90–632, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.
§840. Art. 40. Continuances
The military judge or a summary court-martial may, for reasonable cause, grant a continuance to any party for such time, and as often, as may appear to be just.
(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 51; Pub. L. 90–632, §2(16), Oct. 24, 1968, 82 Stat. 1339; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LVII, §5223, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2909.)
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2016—Pub. L. 114–328 substituted "summary court-martial" for "court-martial without a military judge".
1968—Pub. L. 90–632 inserted reference to military judge.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2016 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.
Effective Date of 1968 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 90–632 effective first day of tenth month following October 1968, see section 4 of Pub. L. 90–632, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.
§841. Art. 41. Challenges
(a)(1) The military judge and members of a general or special court-martial may be challenged by the accused or the trial counsel for cause stated to the court. The military judge shall determine the relevancy and validity of challenges for cause, and may not receive a challenge to more than one person at a time. Challenges by the trial counsel shall ordinarily be presented and decided before those by the accused are offered.
(2) If exercise of a challenge for cause reduces the court below the number of members required by section 816 of this title (article 16), all parties shall (notwithstanding section 829 of this title (article 29)) either exercise or waive any challenge for cause then apparent against the remaining members of the court before additional members are detailed to the court. However, peremptory challenges shall not be exercised at that time.
(b)(1) Each accused and the trial counsel are entitled initially to one peremptory challenge of members of the court. The military judge may not be challenged except for cause.
(2) If exercise of a peremptory challenge reduces the court below the number of members required by section 816 of this title (article 16), the parties shall (notwithstanding section 829 of this title (article 29)) either exercise or waive any remaining peremptory challenge (not previously waived) against the remaining members of the court before additional members are detailed to the court.
(c) Whenever additional members are detailed to the court, and after any challenges for cause against such additional members are presented and decided, each accused and the trial counsel are entitled to one peremptory challenge against members not previously subject to peremptory challenge.
(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 51; Pub. L. 90–632, §2(17), Oct. 24, 1968, 82 Stat. 1339; Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title V, §541(b)–(d), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1565; Pub. L. 111–383, div. A, title X, §1075(b)(13), Jan. 7, 2011, 124 Stat. 4369; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LVII, §5224, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2909.)
In subsection (a), the word "may" is substituted for the word "shall" before the words "not receive".
In subsection (b), the word "the" is inserted before the word "trial". The word "is" is substituted for the words "shall be". The word "may" is substituted for the word "shall".
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2016—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 114–328, §5224(1), struck out ", or, if none, the court," before "shall determine".
Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 114–328, §5224(2), struck out "minimum" after "below the".
Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 114–328, §5224(3), struck out "minimum" after "below the".
2011—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 111–383 substituted "trial counsel" for "trail counsel".
1990—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 101–510, §541(b), designated existing provision as par. (1) and added par. (2).
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 101–510, §541(c), amended subsec. (b) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (b) read as follows: "Each accused and the trial counsel is entitled to one peremptory challenge, but the military judge may not be challenged except for cause."
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 101–510, §541(d), added subsec. (c).
1968—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 90–632, §2(17)(A), (B), inserted reference to the military judge and struck out references to the law officer of a general court-martial.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 90–632, §2(17)(C), substituted "military judge" for "law officer".
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2016 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.
Effective Date of 1990 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 101–510 applicable only to court-martial convened on or after Nov. 5, 1990, see section 541(e) of Pub. L. 101–510, set out as a note under section 839 of this title.
Effective Date of 1968 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 90–632 effective first day of tenth month following October 1968, see section 4 of Pub. L. 90–632, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.
§842. Art. 42. Oaths
(a) Before performing their respective duties, military judges, members of general and special courts-martial, trial counsel, assistant trial counsel, defense counsel, assistant or associate defense counsel, reporters, and interpreters shall take an oath to perform their duties faithfully. The form of the oath, the time and place of the taking thereof, the manner of recording the same, and whether the oath shall be taken for all cases in which these duties are to be performed or for a particular case, shall be as prescribed in regulations of the Secretary concerned. These regulations may provide that an oath to perform faithfully duties as a military judge, trial counsel, assistant trial counsel, defense counsel, or assistant or associate defense counsel may be taken at any time by any judge advocate or other person certified to be qualified or competent for the duty, and if such an oath is taken it need not again be taken at the time the judge advocate or other person is detailed to that duty.
(b) Each witness before a court-martial shall be examined on oath.
(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 51; Pub. L. 90–632, §2(18), Oct. 24, 1968, 82 Stat. 1339; Pub. L. 98–209, §§2(e), 3(f), Dec. 6, 1983, 97 Stat. 1393, 1395.)
In subsection (a), the word "all" and the word "the" before the words "members", "trial", "defense", and "reporter" are omitted as surplusage.
In subsections (a) and (b), the words "or affirmation" are omitted as covered by the definition of the word "oath" in section 1 of Title 1.
In subsection (b), the words "Each witness" are substituted for the words "All witnesses".
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1983—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 98–209 struck out ", law specialist," after "judge advocate" in two places, substituted "assistant or associate defense counsel" for "assistant defense counsel".
1968—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 90–632 struck out requirement that the oath given to court-martial personnel be taken in the presence of the accused and provided that the form of the oath, the time and place of its taking, the manner of recording thereof, and whether the oath shall be taken for all cases or for a particular case shall be as prescribed by regulations of the Secretary concerned and contemplated secretarial regulations allowing the administration of an oath to certified legal personnel on a one-time basis.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1983 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 98–209 effective first day of eighth calendar month beginning after Dec. 6, 1983, see section 12(a)(1) of Pub. L. 98–209, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.
Effective Date of 1968 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 90–632 effective first day of tenth month following October 1968, see section 4 of Pub. L. 90–632, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.
§843. Art. 43. Statute of limitations
(a) No Limitation for Certain Offenses.—A person charged with absence without leave or missing movement in time of war, with murder, rape or sexual assault, or rape or sexual assault of a child, maiming of a child, kidnapping of a child, or with any other offense punishable by death, may be tried and punished at any time without limitation.
(b) Five-year Limitation for Trial by Court-martial.—(1) Except as otherwise provided in this section (article), a person charged with an offense is not liable to be tried by court-martial if the offense was committed more than five years before the receipt of sworn charges and specifications by an officer exercising summary court-martial jurisdiction over the command.
(2)(A) A person charged with having committed a child abuse offense against a child is liable to be tried by court-martial if the sworn charges and specifications are received during the life of the child or within ten years after the date on which the offense was committed, whichever provides a longer period, by an officer exercising summary court-martial jurisdiction with respect to that person.
(B) In subparagraph (A), the term "child abuse offense" means an act that involves abuse of a person who has not attained the age of 16 years and constitutes any of the following offenses:
(i) Any offense in violation of section 920, 920a, 920b, 920c, or 930 of this title (article 120, 120a, 120b, 120c, or 130), unless the offense is covered by subsection (a).
(ii) Aggravated assault, assault consummated by a battery, or assault with intent to commit specified offenses in violation of section 928 of this title (article 128).
(C) In subparagraph (A), the term "child abuse offense" includes an act that involves abuse of a person who has not attained the age of 18 years and would constitute an offense under chapter 110 or 117 of title 18 or under section 1591 of that title.
(3) A person charged with an offense is not liable to be punished under section 815 of this title (article 15) if the offense was committed more than two years before the imposition of punishment.
(c) Tolling for Absence Without Leave or Flight From Justice.—Periods in which the accused is absent without authority or fleeing from justice shall be excluded in computing the period of limitation prescribed in this section (article).
(d) Tolling for Absence From US or Military Jurisdiction.—Periods in which the accused was absent from territory in which the United States has the authority to apprehend him, or in the custody of civil authorities, or in the hands of the enemy, shall be excluded in computing the period of limitation prescribed in this article.
(e) Extension for Offenses in Time of War Detrimental to Prosecution of War.—For an offense the trial of which in time of war is certified to the President by the Secretary concerned to be detrimental to the prosecution of the war or inimical to the national security, the period of limitation prescribed in this article is extended to six months after the termination of hostilities as proclaimed by the President or by a joint resolution of Congress.
(f) Extension for Other Offenses in Time of War.—When the United States is at war, the running of any statute of limitations applicable to any offense under this chapter—
(1) involving fraud or attempted fraud against the United States or any agency thereof in any manner, whether by conspiracy or not;
(2) committed in connection with the acquisition, care, handling, custody, control, or disposition of any real or personal property of the United States; or
(3) committed in connection with the negotiation, procurement, award, performance, payment, interim financing, cancellation, or other termination or settlement, of any contract, subcontract, or purchase order which is connected with or related to the prosecution of the war, or with any disposition of termination inventory by any war contractor or Government agency;
is suspended until three years after the termination of hostilities as proclaimed by the President or by a joint resolution of Congress.
(g) Defective or Insufficient Charges.—(1) If charges or specifications are dismissed as defective or insufficient for any cause and the period prescribed by the applicable statute of limitations—
(A) has expired; or
(B) will expire within 180 days after the date of dismissal of the charges and specifications,
trial and punishment under new charges and specifications are not barred by the statute of limitations if the conditions specified in paragraph (2) are met.
(2) The conditions referred to in paragraph (1) are that the new charges and specifications must—
(A) be received by an officer exercising summary court-martial jurisdiction over the command within 180 days after the dismissal of the charges or specifications; and
(B) allege the same acts or omissions that were alleged in the dismissed charges or specifications (or allege acts or omissions that were included in the dismissed charges or specifications).
(h) Fraudulent Enlistment or Appointment.—A person charged with fraudulent enlistment or fraudulent appointment under section 904a(1) of this title (article 104a(1)) may be tried by court-martial if the sworn charges and specifications are received by an officer exercising summary court-martial jurisdiction with respect to that person, as follows:
(1) In the case of an enlisted member, during the period of the enlistment or five years, whichever provides a longer period.
(2) In the case of an officer, during the period of the appointment or five years, whichever provides a longer period.
(i) DNA Evidence.—If DNA testing implicates an identified person in the commission of an offense punishable by confinement for more than one year, no statute of limitations that would otherwise preclude prosecution of the offense shall preclude such prosecution until a period of time following the implication of the person by DNA testing has elapsed that is equal to the otherwise applicable limitation period.
(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 51; Pub. L. 99–661, div. A, title VIII, §805(a), (b), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3908; Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title V, §551, Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1481; Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title V, §§552(e), 553, Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3263, 3264; Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title X, §1071(a)(4), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2398; Pub. L. 111–383, div. A, title X, §1075(b)(14), Jan. 7, 2011, 124 Stat. 4369; Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title V, §541(d)(1), Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1410; Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title X, §1076(f)(8), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1952; Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title XVII, §1703(a), (b), Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 958; Pub. L. 113–291, div. A, title V, §531(d)(2)(A), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3364; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LVII, §5225(a)–(e), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2909, 2910; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title X, §1081(c)(1)(E), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1598; Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title V, §533(a), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1361.)
Historical and Revision Notes
| Revised section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large) |
|---|
| 843(a) 843(b) |
50:618(a). 50:618(b). |
May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 43), 64 Stat. 121. |
| 843(c) |
50:618(c). |
|
| 843(d) |
50:618(d). |
|
| 843(e) |
50:618(e). |
|
| 843(f) |
50:618(f). |
|
In subsection (b), the word "inclusive" is omitted as surplusage.
In subsections (b) and (c), the words "is not" are substituted for the words "shall not be".
In subsection (e), the words "For an" are substituted for the words "In the case of any". The word "is" is substituted for the words "shall be". The words "Secretary concerned" are substituted for the words "Secretary of the Department".
In subsection (f), the word "is" is substituted for the words "shall be".
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2019—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 116–92, §533(a)(1), inserted "maiming of a child, kidnapping of a child," after "sexual assault of a child,".
Subsec. (b)(2)(B)(ii) to (iv). Pub. L. 116–92, §533(a)(2), redesignated cl. (iii) as (ii) and struck out former cls. (ii) and (iv) which read as follows:
"(ii) Maiming in violation of section 928a of this title (article 128a).
"(iv) Kidnapping in violation of section 925 of this title (article 125)."
2017—Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 115–91 substituted "DNA Evidence" for "Dna Evidence" in heading.
2016—Pub. L. 114–328, §5225(e), inserted headings in subsecs. (a) to (g).
Subsec. (b)(2)(A). Pub. L. 114–328, §5225(a), substituted "ten years" for "five years".
Subsec. (b)(2)(B)(i) to (v). Pub. L. 114–328, §5225(d), added pars. (i) to (iv) and struck out former pars. (i) to (v) which read as follows:
"(i) Any offense in violation of section 920, 920a, 920b, or 920c of this title (article 120, 120a, 120b, or 120c), unless the offense is covered by subsection (a).
"(ii) Maiming in violation of section 924 of this title (article 124).
"(iii) Forcible sodomy in violation of section 925 of this title (article 125).
"(iv) Aggravated assault or assault consummated by a battery in violation of section 928 of this title (article 128).
"(v) Kidnaping, assault with intent to commit murder, voluntary manslaughter, rape, or forcible sodomy, or indecent acts in violation of section 934 of this title (article 134)."
Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 114–328, §5225(b), added subsec. (h).
Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 114–328, §5225(c), added subsec. (i).
2014—Subsec. (b)(2)(B)(iii). Pub. L. 113–291, §531(d)(2)(A)(i), substituted "Forcible sodomy" for "Sodomy".
Subsec. (b)(2)(B)(v). Pub. L. 113–291, §531(d)(2)(A)(ii), substituted "forcible sodomy" for "sodomy".
2013—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 113–66, §1703(a), substituted "rape or sexual assault, or rape or sexual assault of a child" for "rape, or rape of a child".
Subsec. (b)(2)(B)(i). Pub. L. 113–66, §1703(b), inserted ", unless the offense is covered by subsection (a)" before period at end.
Subsec. (b)(2)(B)(v). Pub. L. 112–239 substituted "Kidnaping," for "Kidnaping,,".
2011—Subsec. (b)(2)(B)(i). Pub. L. 112–81, §541(d)(1)(A), substituted "section 920, 920a, 920b, or 920c of this title (article 120, 120a, 120b, or 120c)" for "section 920 of this title (article 120)".
Subsec. (b)(2)(B)(v). Pub. L. 112–81, §541(d)(1)(B), struck out "indecent assault" after "Kidnaping," and "or liberties with a child" after "indecent acts".
Pub. L. 111–383 substituted "Kidnaping, indecent assault," for "Kidnaping; indecent assault;".
2006—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 109–163, §553(a), substituted "with murder or rape, or with any other offense punishable by death" for "or with any offense punishable by death".
Pub. L. 109–163, §552(e), substituted ", rape, or rape of a child," for "or rape,".
Subsec. (b)(2)(A). Pub. L. 109–163, §553(b)(1), substituted "during the life of the child or within five years after the date on which the offense was committed, whichever provides a longer period," for "before the child attains the age of 25 years".
Subsec. (b)(2)(B). Pub. L. 109–163, §553(b)(2)(A), struck out "sexual or physical" before "abuse of a person" in introductory provisions.
Subsec. (b)(2)(B)(i). Pub. L. 109–163, §553(b)(2)(B), substituted "Any offense" for "Rape or carnal knowledge".
Subsec. (b)(2)(B)(iii). Pub. L. 109–364, §1071(a)(4)(A), substituted "125" for "126".
Subsec. (b)(2)(B)(v). Pub. L. 109–163, §553(b)(2)(C), substituted "Kidnaping; indecent assault;" for "Indecent assault,".
Subsec. (b)(2)(C). Pub. L. 109–364, §1071(a)(4)(B), substituted "under chapter 110 or 117 of title 18 or under section 1591 of that title" for "under chapter 110 or 117, or under section 1591, of title 18".
Pub. L. 109–163, §553(b)(3), added subpar. (C).
2003—Subsec. (b)(2), (3). Pub. L. 108–136 added par. (2) and redesignated former par. (2) as (3).
1986—Subsecs. (a) to (c). Pub. L. 99–661, §805(a), amended subsecs. (a) to (c) generally. Prior to amendment, subsecs. (a) to (c) read as follows:
"(a) A person charged with desertion or absence without leave in time of war, or with aiding the enemy, mutiny, or murder, may be tried and punished at any time without limitation.
"(b) Except as otherwise provided in this article, a person charged with desertion in time of peace or any of the offenses punishable under sections 919–932 of this title (articles 119–132) is not liable to be tried by court-martial if the offense was committed more than three years before the receipt of sworn charges and specifications by an officer exercising summary court-martial jurisdiction over the command.
"(c) Except as otherwise provided in this article, a person charged with any offense is not liable to be tried by court-martial or punished under section 815 of this title (article 15) if the offense was committed more than two years before the receipt of sworn charges and specifications by an officer exercising summary court-martial jurisdiction over the command or before the imposition of punishment under section 815 of this title (article 15)."
Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 99–661, §805(b), added subsec. (g).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2019 Amendment
Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title V, §533(b), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1361, provided that: "The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 20, 2019] and shall apply with respect to the prosecution of offenses committed before, on, or after the date of the enactment of this Act if the applicable limitation period has not yet expired."
Effective Date of 2017 Amendment
Amendment by section 1081(c)(1)(E) of Pub. L. 115–91 effective immediately after the amendments made by div. E (§§5001–5542) of Pub. L. 114–328 take effect as provided for in section 5542 of that Act (10 U.S.C. 801 note), see section 1081(c)(4) of Pub. L. 115–91, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.
Effective Date of 2016 Amendment
Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LVII, §5225(f), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2910, as amended by Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title X, §1081(d)(17), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1600, provided that: "The amendments made by subsections (a), (b), (c), and (d) [amending this section] shall apply to the prosecution of any offense committed before, on, or after the date of the enactment of this section [Dec. 23, 2016] if the applicable limitation period has not yet expired."
[Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title X, §1081(d), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1599, provided that the amendment made by section 1081(d)(17) to section 5225(f) of Pub. L. 114–328, set out above, is effective as of Dec. 23, 2016, and as if included in Pub. L. 114–328 as enacted.]
Amendment by section 5225(e) of Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.
Effective Date of 2013 Amendment
Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title XVII, §1703(c), Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 958, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 26, 2013], and shall apply with respect to an offense covered by section 920(b) or 920b(b) of title 10, United States Code (article 120(b) or 120b(b) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), that is committed on or after that date."
Effective Date of 2011 Amendment
Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title V, §541(f), Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1411, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [enacting sections 920b and 920c of this title and amending this section and sections 918 and 920 of this title] shall take effect 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 31, 2011] and shall apply with respect to offenses committed on or after such effective date."
Effective Date of 2006 Amendment
Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title V, §552(f), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3263, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and sections 918 and 920 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under section 920 of this title] shall take effect on October 1, 2007."
Effective Date of 1986 Amendment
Pub. L. 99–661, div. A, title VIII, §805(c), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3908, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to an offense committed on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 14, 1986]."
Applicability of Subsections (b)(2)(B) and (h)
Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title V, §531(n)(2), (3), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1387, provided that:
"(2) Child abuse offenses.—With respect to offenses committed before the date designated by the President under section 5542(a) of the Military Justice Act of 2016 (division E of Public Law 114–328; 130 Stat. 2967) [10 U.S.C. 801 note], subsection (b)(2)(B) of section 843 of title 10, United States Code (article 43 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), shall be applied as in effect on December 22, 2016.
"(3) Fraudulent enlistment or appointment offenses.—With respect to the period beginning on December 23, 2016, and ending on the day before the date designated by the President under section 5542(a) of the Military Justice Act of 2016 (division E of Public Law 114–328; 130 Stat. 2967), in the application of subsection (h) of section 843 of title 10, United States Code (article 43 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), as added by section 5225(b) of that Act (130 Stat. 2909), the reference in such subsection (h) to section 904a(1) of title 10, United States Code (article 104a(1) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), shall be deemed to be a reference to section 883(1) of title 10, United States Code (article 83(1) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice)."
§844. Art. 44. Former jeopardy
(a) No person may, without his consent, be tried a second time for the same offense.
(b) No proceeding in which an accused has been found guilty by a court-martial upon any charge or specification is a trial in the sense of this article until the finding of guilty has become final after review of the case has been fully completed.
(c)(1) A court-martial with a military judge alone is a trial in the sense of this section (article) if, without fault of the accused—
(A) after introduction of evidence; and
(B) before announcement of findings under section 853 of this title (article 53);
the case is dismissed or terminated by the convening authority or the special trial counsel or on motion of the prosecution for failure of available evidence or witnesses.
(2) A court-martial with a military judge and members is a trial in the sense of this section (article) if, without fault of the accused—
(A) after the members, having taken an oath as members under section 842 of this title (article 42) and after completion of challenges under section 841 of this title (article 41), are impaneled; and
(B) before announcement of findings under section 853 of this title (article 53);
the case is dismissed or terminated by the convening authority or the special trial counsel or on motion of the prosecution for failure of available evidence or witnesses.
(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 52; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LVII, §5226, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2910; Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title V, §538, Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1698.)
In subsection (a), the word "may" is substituted for the word "shall".
In subsection (b), the word "is" is substituted for the words "shall be held to be".
In subsection (c), the word "after" is substituted for the words "subsequent to". The word "before" is substituted for the words "prior to". The word "is" is substituted for the words "shall be".
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2021—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 117–81 inserted "or the special trial counsel" after "the convening authority" in two places.
2016—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 114–328 amended subsec. (c) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (c) read as follows: "A proceeding which, after the introduction of evidence but before a finding, is dismissed or terminated by the convening authority or on motion of the prosecution for failure of available evidence or witnesses without any fault of the accused is a trial in the sense of this article."
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2021 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 117–81 effective on the date that is two years after Dec. 27, 2021, and applicable with respect to offenses that occur after that date, with provisions for delayed effect and applicability if regulations are not prescribed by the President before the date that is two years after Dec. 27, 2021, see section 539C of Pub. L. 117–81, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.
Effective Date of 2016 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.
§845. Art. 45. Pleas of the accused
(a) Irregular and Similar Pleas.—If an accused after arraignment makes an irregular pleading, or after a plea of guilty sets up matter inconsistent with the plea, or if it appears that he has entered the plea of guilty improvidently or through lack of understanding of its meaning and effect, or if he fails or refuses to plead, a plea of not guilty shall be entered in the record, and the court shall proceed as though he had pleaded not guilty.
(b) Pleas of Guilty.—A plea of guilty by the accused may not be received to any charge or specification alleging an offense for which the death penalty is mandatory. With respect to any other charge or specification to which a plea of guilty has been made by the accused and accepted by the military judge, a finding of guilty of the charge or specification may be entered immediately without vote. This finding shall constitute the finding of the court unless the plea of guilty is withdrawn prior to announcement of the sentence, in which event the proceedings shall continue as though the accused had pleaded not guilty.
(c) Harmless Error.—A variance from the requirements of this article is harmless error if the variance does not materially prejudice the substantial rights of the accused.
(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 52; Pub. L. 90–632, §2(19), Oct. 24, 1968, 82 Stat. 1339; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LVII, §5227, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2911.)
In subsection (b), the word "may" is substituted for the word "shall".
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2016—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 114–328, §5227(c)(1), inserted heading.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 114–328, §5227(c)(2), inserted heading.
Pub. L. 114–328, §5227(a), substituted "is mandatory" for "may be adjudged" and struck out "or by a court-martial without a military judge" after "by the military judge" and ", if permitted by regulations of the Secretary concerned," after "charge or specification may".
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 114–328, §5227(b), added subsec. (c).
1968—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 90–632, §2(19)(A), substituted "after arraignment" for "arraigned before a court-martial".
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 90–632, §2(19)(B), inserted provisions covering the making and accepting of a guilty plea to charges or specifications other than charges and specifications alleging an offense for which the death penalty may be adjudged.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2016 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.
Effective Date of 1968 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 90–632 effective first day of tenth month following October 1968, see section 4 of Pub. L. 90–632, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.
§846. Art. 46. Opportunity to obtain witnesses and other evidence in trials by court-martial
(a) Opportunity To Obtain Witnesses and Other Evidence.—In a case referred for trial by court-martial, the trial counsel, the defense counsel, and the court-martial shall have equal opportunity to obtain witnesses and other evidence in accordance with such regulations as the President may prescribe.
(b) Subpoena and Other Process Generally.—Any subpoena or other process issued under this section (article)—
(1) shall be similar to that which courts of the United States having criminal jurisdiction may issue;
(2) shall be executed in accordance with regulations prescribed by the President; and
(3) shall run to any part of the United States and to the Commonwealths and possessions of the United States.
(c) Subpoena and Other Process for Witnesses.—A subpoena or other process may be issued to compel a witness to appear and testify—
(1) before a court-martial, military commission, or court of inquiry;
(2) at a deposition under section 849 of this title (article 49); or
(3) as otherwise authorized under this chapter.
(d) Subpoena and Other Process for Evidence.—
(1) In general.—A subpoena or other process may be issued to compel the production of evidence—
(A) for a court-martial, military commission, or court of inquiry;
(B) for a deposition under section 849 of this title (article 49);
(C) for an investigation of an offense under this chapter; or
(D) as otherwise authorized under this chapter.
(2) Investigative subpoena.—An investigative subpoena under paragraph (1)(C) may be issued before referral of charges to a court-martial only if a general court-martial convening authority has authorized counsel for the Government to issue such a subpoena or a military judge issues such a subpoena pursuant to section 830a of this title (article 30a).
(3) Warrant or order for wire or electronic communications.—With respect to an investigation of an offense under this chapter, a military judge detailed in accordance with section 826 or 830a of this title (article 26 or 30a) may issue warrants or court orders for the contents of, and records concerning, wire or electronic communications in the same manner as such warrants and orders may be issued by a district court of the United States under chapter 121 of title 18, subject to such limitations as the President may prescribe by regulation.
(e) Request for Relief From Subpoena or Other Process.—If a person requests relief from a subpoena or other process under this section (article) on grounds that compliance is unreasonable or oppressive or is prohibited by law, a military judge detailed in accordance with section 826 or 830a of this title (article 26 or 30a) shall review the request and shall—
(1) order that the subpoena or other process be modified or withdrawn, as appropriate; or
(2) order the person to comply with the subpoena or other process.
(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 53; Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title X, §1057(a)(6), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3441; Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title XVII, §1704, Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 958; Pub. L. 113–291, div. A, title V, §531(b), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3363; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LVII, §5228(a), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2911.)
The word "Commonwealths" is inserted to reflect the present status of Puerto Rico.
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2016—Pub. L. 114–328, §5228(a)(5), amended section catchline generally, substituting "Opportunity to obtain witnesses and other evidence in trials by court-martial" for "Opportunity to obtain witnesses and other evidence".
Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 114–328, §5228(a)(1), substituted "In a case referred for trial by court-martial, the trial counsel, the defense counsel," for "The counsel for the Government, the counsel for the accused,".
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 114–328, §5228(a)(2), amended subsec. (b) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (b) related to request by counsel for accused to interview the victim of an alleged sex-related offense.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 114–328, §5228(a)(3), amended subsec. (c) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "Process issued in court-martial cases to compel witnesses to appear and testify and to compel the production of other evidence shall be similar to that which courts of the United States having criminal jurisdiction may lawfully issue and shall run to any part of the United States, or the Commonwealths and possessions."
Subsecs. (d), (e). Pub. L. 114–328, §5228(a)(4), added subsecs. (d) and (e).
2014—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 113–291, §531(b)(2), (3)(B), substituted "counsel for the Government" for "trial counsel" and "counsel for the accused" for "defense counsel".
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 113–291, §531(b)(3)(A), which directed substitution of "Counsel for Accused" for "Defense Counsel" in heading of section, was executed by making the substitution in the heading of subsec. (b) to reflect the probable intent of Congress.
Pub. L. 113–291, §531(b)(2), (3)(B), substituted "counsel for the Government" for "trial counsel" and "counsel for the accused" for "defense counsel" wherever appearing.
Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 113–291, §531(b)(1), substituted "through the Special Victims' Counsel or other counsel for the victim, if applicable" for "through trial counsel".
2013—Pub. L. 113–66 designated first sentence as subsec. (a) and second sentence as subsec. (c), inserted headings, and added subsec. (b).
2006—Pub. L. 109–163 substituted "Commonwealths and possessions" for "Territories, Commonwealths, and possessions".
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2016 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.
§847. Art. 47. Refusal of person not subject to chapter to appear, testify, or produce evidence
(a) In General.—(1) Any person described in paragraph (2) who—
(A) willfully neglects or refuses to appear; or
(B) willfully refuses to qualify as a witness or to testify or to produce any evidence which that person is required to produce;
is guilty of an offense against the United States.
(2) The persons referred to in paragraph (1) are the following:
(A) Any person not subject to this chapter who—
(i) is issued a subpoena or other process described in subsection (c) of section 846 of this title (article 46); and
(ii) is provided a means for reimbursement from the Government for fees and mileage at the rates allowed to witnesses attending the courts of the United States or, in the case of extraordinary hardship, is advanced such fees and mileage.
(B) Any person not subject to this chapter who is issued a subpoena or other process described in subsection (d) of section 846 of this title (article 46).
(b) Any person who commits an offense named in subsection (a) shall be tried on indictment or information in a United States district court or in a court of original criminal jurisdiction in any of the Commonwealths or possessions of the United States, and jurisdiction is conferred upon those courts for that purpose. Upon conviction, such a person shall be fined or imprisoned, or both, at the court's discretion.
(c) The United States attorney or the officer prosecuting for the United States in any such court of original criminal jurisdiction shall, upon the certification of the facts to him by the military court, commission, court of inquiry, board, or convening authority, file an information against and prosecute any person violating this article.
(d) The fees and mileage of witnesses shall be advanced or paid out of the appropriations for the compensation of witnesses.
(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041. 70A Stat. 53; Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title XI, §1111, Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 461; Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title X, §1057(a)(5), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3440; Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title V, §542(a), (b), Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1411; Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title XVII, §1702(c)(3)(D), Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 958; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LVII, §5229, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2913.)
In subsection (a), the word "Any" is substituted for the word "Every". The word "is" is substituted for the words "shall be deemed".
In subsection (b), the words "named in subsection (a)" are substituted for the words "denounced by this article". The words "Territories, Commonwealths, or" are substituted for the word "Territorial". The words "not more than" are substituted for the words "a period not exceeding".
In subsection (c), the words "It shall be the duty of * * * to" are omitted as surplusage. The words "United States Attorney" are substituted for the words "United States district attorney", to conform to the terminology of section 501 of title 28. The word "shall" is inserted after the word "jurisdiction".
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2016—Pub. L. 114–328, §5229(b), amended section catchline generally, substituting "Refusal of person not subject to chapter to appear, testify, or produce evidence" for "Refusal to appear or testify".
Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 114–328, §5229(a), amended subsec. (a) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (a) read as follows: "Any person not subject to this chapter who—
"(1) has been duly subpoenaed to appear as a witness before a court-martial, military commission, court of inquiry, or any other military court or board, or before any military or civil officer designated to take a deposition to be read in evidence before such a court, commission, or board, or has been duly issued a subpoena duces tecum for a preliminary hearing pursuant to section 832 of this title (article 32);
"(2) has been provided a means for reimbursement from the Government for fees and mileage at the rates allowed to witnesses attending the courts of the United States or, in the case of extraordinary hardship, is advanced such fees and mileage; and
"(3) willfully neglects or refuses to appear, or refuses to qualify as a witness or to testify or to produce any evidence which that person may have been legally subpoenaed to produce;
is guilty of an offense against the United States."
2013—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 113–66 substituted "a preliminary hearing pursuant to section 832 of this title (article 32)" for "an investigation pursuant to section 832(b) of this title (article 32(b))".
2011—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 112–81, §542(b), substituted "subpoenaed" for "subpenaed" in two places.
Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 112–81, §542(a)(1)(A), substituted "board, or has been duly issued a subpoena duces tecum for an investigation pursuant to section 832(b) of this title (article 32(b));" for "board;".
Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 112–81, §542(a)(1)(B), substituted "provided a means for reimbursement from the Government for fees and mileage" for "duly paid or tendered the fees and mileage of a witness" and inserted "or, in the case of extraordinary hardship, is advanced such fees and mileage" before semicolon.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 112–81, §542(a)(2), substituted "board, or convening authority" for "or board".
2006—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 109–163 substituted "Commonwealths or possessions" for "Territories, Commonwealths, or possessions".
1996—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 104–106 inserted "indictment or" after "shall be tried on" and substituted "shall be fined or imprisoned, or both, at the court's discretion" for "shall be punished by a fine of not more than $500, or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both".
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2016 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.
Effective Date of 2013 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 113–66 effective on the later of Dec. 26, 2014, or the date of the enactment of the Carl Levin and Howard P. "Buck" McKeon National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 (Dec. 19, 2014) and applicable with respect to preliminary hearings conducted on or after that effective date, see section 1702(d)(1) of Pub. L. 113–66, set out as a note under section 802 of this title.
Effective Date of 2011 Amendment
Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title V, §542(c), Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1411, provided that: "The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply with respect to subpoenas issued after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 31, 2011]."
§848. Art. 48. Contempt
(a) Authority To Punish.—(1) With respect to any proceeding under this chapter, a judicial officer specified in paragraph (2) may punish for contempt any person who—
(A) uses any menacing word, sign, or gesture in the presence of the judicial officer during the proceeding;
(B) disturbs the proceeding by any riot or disorder; or
(C) willfully disobeys a lawful writ, process, order, rule, decree, or command issued with respect to the proceeding.
(2) A judicial officer referred to in paragraph (1) is any of the following:
(A) Any judge of the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces and any judge of a Court of Criminal Appeals under section 866 of this title (article 66).
(B) Any military judge detailed to a court-martial, a provost court, a military commission, or any other proceeding under this chapter.
(C) Any military magistrate designated to preside under section 819 of this title (article 19).
(D) The president of a court of inquiry.
(b) Punishment.—The punishment for contempt under subsection (a) may not exceed confinement for 30 days, a fine of $1,000, or both.
(c) Review.—A punishment under this section—
(1) if imposed by a military judge or military magistrate, may be reviewed by the Court of Criminal Appeals in accordance with the uniform rules of procedure for the Courts of Criminal Appeals under section 866(h) of this title (article 66(h));
(2) if imposed by a judge of the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces or a judge of a Court of Criminal Appeals, shall constitute a judgment of the court, subject to review under the applicable provisions of section 867 or 867a of this title (article 67 or 67a); and
(3) if imposed by a court of inquiry, shall be subject to review by the convening authority in accordance with rules prescribed by the President.
(d) Inapplicability to Military Commissions Under Chapter 47A.—This section does not apply to a military commission established under chapter 47A of this title.
(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 53; Pub. L. 109–366, §4(a)(2), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2631; Pub. L. 111–383, div. A, title V, §542(a), Jan. 7, 2011, 124 Stat. 4218; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LVII, §5230, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2913; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title X, §1081(c)(1)(F), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1598.)
The word "may" is substituted for the word "shall".
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2017—Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 115–91 substituted "section 866(h) of this title (article 66(h))" for "section 866(g) of this title (article 66(g))".
2016—Pub. L. 114–328, §5230(c), amended section catchline generally, substituting "Contempt" for "Contempts".
Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 114–328, §5230(a), amended subsec. (a) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "A judge detailed to a court-martial, a court of inquiry, the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, a military Court of Criminal Appeals, a provost court, or a military commission may punish for contempt any person who—
"(1) uses any menacing word, sign, or gesture in the presence of the judge during the proceedings of the court-martial, court, or military commission;
"(2) disturbs the proceedings of the court-martial, court, or military commission by any riot or disorder; or
"(3) willfully disobeys the lawful writ, process, order, rule, decree, or command of the court-martial, court, or military commission."
Subsecs. (c), (d). Pub. L. 114–328, §5230(b), added subsec. (c) and redesignated former subsec. (c) as (d).
2011—Pub. L. 111–383 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "A court-martial, provost court, or military commission may punish for contempt any person who uses any menacing word, sign, or gesture in its presence, or who disturbs its proceedings by any riot or disorder. The punishment may not exceed confinement for 30 days or a fine of $100, or both. This section does not apply to a military commission established under chapter 47A of this title."
2006—Pub. L. 109–366 inserted last sentence.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2017 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 115–91 effective immediately after the amendments made by div. E (§§5001–5542) of Pub. L. 114–328 take effect as provided for in section 5542 of that Act (10 U.S.C. 801 note), see section 1081(c)(4) of Pub. L. 115–91, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.
Effective Date of 2016 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.
Effective Date of 2011 Amendment
Pub. L. 111–383, div. A, title V, §542(b), Jan. 7, 2011, 124 Stat. 4218, provided that: "Section 848 of title 10, United States Code (article 48 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), as amended by subsection (a), shall apply with respect to acts of contempt committed after the date of the enactment of this Act [Jan. 7, 2011]."
§849. Art. 49. Depositions
(a) In General.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2), a convening authority or a military judge may order depositions at the request of any party.
(2) A deposition may be ordered under paragraph (1) only if the requesting party demonstrates that, due to exceptional circumstances, it is in the interest of justice that the testimony of a prospective witness be preserved for use at a court-martial, military commission, court of inquiry, or other military court or board.
(3) A party who requests a deposition under this section shall give to every other party reasonable written notice of the time and place for the deposition.
(4) A deposition under this section shall be taken before, and authenticated by, an impartial officer, as follows:
(A) Whenever practicable, by an impartial judge advocate certified under section 827(b) of this title (article 27(b)).
(B) In exceptional circumstances, by an impartial military or civil officer authorized to administer oaths by (i) the laws of the United States or (ii) the laws of the place where the deposition is taken.
(b) Representation by Counsel.—Representation of the parties with respect to a deposition shall be by counsel detailed in the same manner as trial counsel and defense counsel are detailed under section 827 of this title (article 27). In addition, the accused shall have the right to be represented by civilian or military counsel in the same manner as such counsel are provided for in section 838(b) of this title (article 38(b)).
(c) Admissibility and Use as Evidence.—A deposition order under subsection (a) does not control the admissibility of the deposition in a court-martial or other proceeding under this chapter. Except as provided by subsection (d), a party may use all or part of a deposition as provided by the rules of evidence.
(d) Capital Cases.—Testimony by deposition may be presented in capital cases only by the defense.
(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 53; Pub. L. 90–632, §2(20), Oct. 24, 1968, 82 Stat. 1340; Pub. L. 98–209, §6(b), Dec. 6, 1983, 97 Stat. 1400; Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title X, §1057(a)(3), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3440; Pub. L. 113–291, div. A, title V, §532, Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3366; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LVII, §5231, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2914.)
Historical and Revision Notes
| Revised section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large) |
|---|
| 849(a) 849(b) |
50:624(a). 50:624(b). |
May 5, 1950, ch. 169, §1 (Art. 49), 64 Stat. 123. |
| 849(c) |
50:624(c). |
|
| 849(d) |
50:624(d). |
|
| 849(e) |
50:624(e). |
|
| 849(f) |
50:624(f). |
|
In subsection (a), the word "commissioned" is inserted for clarity.
In subsection (d), the word "Commonwealth" is inserted to reflect the present status of Puerto Rico. The words "of Columbia" are inserted after the word "District" for clarity. The words "the distance of" are omitted as surplusage.
In subsections (e) and (f), the words "the requirements of" and the words "of this article" are omitted as surplusage. The word "presented" is substituted for the word "adduced" in subsection (e).
In subsection (f), the word "directs" is substituted for the words "shall have directed". The words "by law" are omitted as surplusage.
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2016—Pub. L. 114–328 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section consisted of subsecs. (a) to (f) relating to ordering depositions, notice, military and civil officers authorized to take depositions, use of depositions as evidence, testimony by deposition by the defense in capital cases, and use of deposition as evidence in cases in which the death penalty is authorized, respectively.
2014—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 113–291 amended subsec. (a) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (a) read as follows: "At any time after charges have been signed as provided in section 830 of this title (article 30), any party may take oral or written depositions unless the military judge or court-martial without a military judge hearing the case or, if the case is not being heard, an authority competent to convene a court-martial for the trial of those charges forbids it for good cause. If a deposition is to be taken before charges are referred for trial, such an authority may designate commissioned officers to represent the prosecution and the defense and may authorize those officers to take the deposition of any witness."
2006—Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 109–163 struck out "Territory," after "State,".
1983—Subsecs. (d), (f). Pub. L. 98–209 inserted "or, in the case of audiotape, videotape, or similar material, may be played in evidence" after "read in evidence".
1968—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 90–632 inserted reference to the taking of depositions being forbidden by the military judge or the court-martial without a military judge if the case is being heard.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2016 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.
Effective Date of 1983 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 98–209 effective on first day of eighth calendar month beginning after Dec. 6, 1983, but not to apply to any case in which the findings and sentence were adjudged by a court-martial before that date, and the proceedings in any such case to be held in the same manner and with the same effect as if such amendments had not been enacted, see section 12(a)(1), (4) of Pub. L. 98–209, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.
Effective Date of 1968 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 90–632 effective first day of tenth month following October 1968, see section 4 of Pub. L. 90–632, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.
§850. Art. 50. Admissibility of sworn testimony from records of courts of inquiry
(a) Use as Evidence by Any Party.—In any case not capital and not extending to the dismissal of a commissioned officer, the sworn testimony, contained in the duly authenticated record of proceedings of a court of inquiry, of a person whose oral testimony cannot be obtained, may, if otherwise admissible under the rules of evidence, be read in evidence by any party before a court-martial or military commission if the accused was a party before the court of inquiry and if the same issue was involved or if the accused consents to the introduction of such evidence. This section does not apply to a military commission established under chapter 47A of this title.
(b) Use as Evidence by Defense.—Such testimony may be read in evidence only by the defense in capital cases or cases extending to the dismissal of a commissioned officer.
(c) Use in Courts of Inquiry and Military Boards.—Such testimony may also be read in evidence before a court of inquiry or a military board.
(d) Audiotape or Videotape.—Sworn testimony that—
(1) is recorded by audiotape, videotape, or similar method; and
(2) is contained in the duly authenticated record of proceedings of a court of inquiry;
is admissible before a court-martial, military commission, court of inquiry, or military board, to the same extent as sworn testimony may be read in evidence before any such body under subsection (a), (b), or (c).
(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 54; Pub. L. 109–366, §4(a)(2), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2631; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LVII, §5232, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2915.)
In subsections (a) and (b), the word "commissioned" is inserted for clarity.
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2016—Pub. L. 114–328, §5232(b), amended section catchline generally, substituting "Admissibility of sworn testimony from records of courts of inquiry" for "Admissibility of records of courts of inquiry".
Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 114–328, §5232(c)(1), inserted heading.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 114–328, §5232(c)(2), inserted heading.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 114–328, §5232(c)(3), inserted heading.
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 114–328, §5232(a), added subsec. (d).
2006—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 109–366 inserted last sentence.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2016 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.
§850a. Art. 50a. Defense of lack of mental responsibility
(a) It is an affirmative defense in a trial by court-martial that, at the time of the commission of the acts constituting the offense, the accused, as a result of a severe mental disease or defect, was unable to appreciate the nature and quality or the wrongfulness of the acts. Mental disease or defect does not otherwise constitute a defense.
(b) The accused has the burden of proving the defense of lack of mental responsibility by clear and convincing evidence.
(c) Whenever lack of mental responsibility of the accused with respect to an offense is properly at issue, the military judge shall instruct the members of the court as to the defense of lack of mental responsibility under this section and charge them to find the accused—
(1) guilty;
(2) not guilty; or
(3) not guilty only by reason of lack of mental responsibility.
(d) Subsection (c) does not apply to a court-martial composed of a military judge only. In the case of a court-martial composed of a military judge only, whenever lack of mental responsibility of the accused with respect to an offense is properly at issue, the military judge shall find the accused—
(1) guilty;
(2) not guilty; or
(3) not guilty only by reason of lack of mental responsibility.
(e) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 852 of this title (article 52), the accused shall be found not guilty only by reason of lack of mental responsibility if—
(1) a majority of the members of the court-martial present at the time the vote is taken determines that the defense of lack of mental responsibility has been established; or
(2) in the case of a court-martial composed of a military judge only, the military judge determines that the defense of lack of mental responsibility has been established.
(Added Pub. L. 99–661, div. A, title VIII, §802(a)(1), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3905; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LVII, §5233, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2915.)
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2016—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 114–328, in introductory provisions, struck out ", or the president of a court-martial without a military judge," after "the military judge".
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2016 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.
Effective Date
Pub. L. 99–661, div. A, title VIII, §802(b), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3906, provided that: "Section 850a of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a)(1), shall apply only to offenses committed on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 14, 1986]."
§851. Art. 51. Voting and rulings
(a) Voting by members of a general or special court-martial on the findings and on the sentence shall be by secret written ballot. The junior member of the court shall count the votes. The count shall be checked by the president, who shall forthwith announce the result of the ballot to the members of the court.
(b) The military judge shall rule upon all questions of law and all interlocutory questions arising during the proceedings. Any such ruling made by the military judge upon any question of law or any interlocutory question other than the factual issue of mental responsibility of the accused is final and constitutes the ruling of the court, except that the military judge may change a ruling at any time during trial.
(c) Before a vote is taken on the findings, the military judge shall, in the presence of the accused and counsel, instruct the members of the court as to the elements of the offense and charge them—
(1) that the accused must be presumed to be innocent until his guilt is established by legal and competent evidence beyond reasonable doubt;
(2) that in the case being considered, if there is a reasonable doubt as to the guilt of the accused, the doubt must be resolved in favor of the accused and he must be acquitted;
(3) that, if there is a reasonable doubt as to the degree of guilt, the finding must be in a lower degree as to which there is no reasonable doubt; and
(4) that the burden of proof to establish the guilt of the accused beyond reasonable doubt is upon the United States.
(d) Subsections (a), (b), and (c) do not apply to a court-martial composed of a military judge only. The military judge of such a court-martial shall determine all questions of law and fact arising during the proceedings and, if the accused is convicted, adjudge an appropriate sentence. The military judge of such a court-martial shall make a general finding and shall in addition on request find the facts specially. If an opinion or memorandum of decision is filed, it will be sufficient if the findings of fact appear therein.
(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 54; Pub. L. 90–632, §2(21), Oct. 24, 1968, 82 Stat. 1340; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LVII, §5234, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2915.)
In subsection (a), the words "in each case" are omitted as surplusage.
In subsection (b), the word "is" is substituted for the words "shall be" in the second sentence. The word "constitutes" is substituted for the words "shall constitute". The word "However," is substituted for the word "but". The word "his" is substituted for the words "any such". The words "the ruling is" are substituted for the words "such ruling be". The words "voice vote" are substituted for the words "vote * * * viva voce".
In subsection (c), the word "must" is substituted for the word "shall" in clause (2), since a condition is prescribed, not a command. The words "United States" are substituted for the word "Government".
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2016—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 114–328, §5234(1), struck out ", and by members of a court-martial without a military judge upon questions of challenge," after "on the sentence".
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 114–328, §5234(2), struck out "and, except for questions of challenge, the president of a court-martial without a military judge" after "The military judge" and substituted "is final and constitutes the ruling of the court, except that the military judge may change a ruling at any time during trial." for ", or by the president of a court-martial without a military judge upon any question of law other than a motion for a finding of not guilty, is final and constitutes the ruling of the court. However, the military judge or the president of a court-martial without a military judge may change his ruling at any time during trial. Unless the ruling is final, if any member objects thereto, the court shall be cleared and closed and the question decided by a voice vote as provided in section 852 of this title (article 52), beginning with the junior in rank."
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 114–328, §5234(3), struck out "or the president of a court-martial without a military judge" after "the military judge" in introductory provisions.
1968—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 90–632, §2(21)(A), limited the balloting on the question of challenges to courts-martial without military judges.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 90–632, §2(21)(B), substituted "military judge" for "law officer" and inserted reference to the military judge's ruling upon challenges for cause when a military judge is part of a court-martial and reference to questions of law.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 90–632, §2(21)(C), substituted "military judge" for "law officer" and made minor changes in phraseology eliminating the division between general and special court-martials.
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 90–632, §2(21)(D), added subsec. (d).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2016 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.
Effective Date of 1968 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 90–632 effective first day of tenth month following October 1968, see section 4 of Pub. L. 90–632, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.
§852. Art. 52. Votes required for conviction, sentencing, and other matters
(a) In General.—No person may be convicted of an offense in a general or special court-martial, other than—
(1) after a plea of guilty under section 845(b) of this title (article 45(b));
(2) by a military judge in a court-martial with a military judge alone, under section 816 of this title (article 16); or
(3) in a court-martial with members under section 816 of this title (article 16), by the concurrence of at least three-fourths of the members present when the vote is taken.
(b) Level of Concurrence Required.—
(1) In general.—Except as provided in subsection (a) and in paragraph (2), all matters to be decided by members of a general or special court-martial shall be determined by a majority vote, but a reconsideration of a finding of guilty or reconsideration of a sentence, with a view toward decreasing the sentence, may be made by any lesser vote which indicates that the reconsideration is not opposed by the number of votes required for that finding or sentence.
(2) Sentencing.—A sentence of death requires (A) a unanimous finding of guilty of an offense in this chapter expressly made punishable by death and (B) a unanimous determination by the members that the sentence for that offense shall include death. All other sentences imposed by members shall be determined by the concurrence of at least three-fourths of the members present when the vote is taken.
(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 55; Pub. L. 90–632, §2(22), Oct. 24, 1968, 82 Stat. 1340; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LVII, §5235, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2916.)
In subsections (a) and (b), the word "may" is substituted for the word "shall".
In subsection (b)(2), the words "for more than" are substituted for the words "in excess of".
In subsection (c), the word "disqualifies" is substituted for the words "shall disqualify". The word "is" is substituted for the words "shall be" in the last two sentences.
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2016—Pub. L. 114–328 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section consisted of subsecs. (a) to (c) relating to number of votes required for conviction of an offense for which the death penalty is mandatory, sentences, and all other questions, respectively.
1968—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 90–632, §2(22)(A), inserted reference to the exception provided in section 845(b) of this title (article 45(b)).
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 90–632, §2(22)(B), provided that a determination to reconsider a finding of guilty or to reconsider a sentence, with a view toward decreasing it, may be made by a vote of less than a majority vote which indicates that the reconsideration is not opposed by the number of votes required for that finding or sentence.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2016 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.
Effective Date of 1968 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 90–632 effective first day of tenth month following October 1968, see section 4 of Pub. L. 90–632, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.
§853. Art. 53. Findings and sentencing
(a) Announcement.—A court-martial shall announce its findings and sentence to the parties as soon as determined.
(b) Sentencing Generally.—
(1) General and special courts-martial.—Except as provided in subsection (c) for capital offenses, if the accused is convicted of an offense in a trial by general or special court-martial, the military judge shall sentence the accused. The sentence determined by the military judge constitutes the sentence of the court-martial.
(2) Summary courts-martial.—If the accused is convicted of an offense in a trial by summary court-martial, the court-martial shall sentence the accused.
(c) Sentencing for Capital Offenses.—
(1) In general.—In a capital case, if the accused is convicted of an offense for which the court-martial may sentence the accused to death—
(A) the members shall determine—
(i) whether the sentence for that offense shall be death or life in prison without eligibility for parole; or
(ii) whether the matter shall be returned to the military judge for determination of a lesser punishment; and
(B) the military judge shall sentence the accused for that offense in accordance with the determination of the members under subparagraph (A).
(2) Lesser authorized punishments.—In accordance with regulations prescribed by the President, the military judge may include in any sentence to death or life in prison without eligibility for parole other lesser punishments authorized under this chapter.
(3) Other non-capital offenses.—In a capital case, if the accused is convicted of a non-capital offense, the accused shall be sentenced for such non-capital offense in accordance with subsection (b), regardless of whether the accused is convicted of an offense for which the court-martial may sentence the accused to death.
(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 56; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LVII, §5236, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2916; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title X, §1081(c)(1)(G), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1598; Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title V, §539E(a), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1700.)
The word "A" is substituted for the word "Every".
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2021—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 117–81, §539E(a)(1), amended par. (1) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (1) provided that, except for capital offenses, accused who is convicted in trial by general or special court-martial shall be sentenced by military judge or, if court-martial consisted of military judge and members, accused may elect sentencing by members.
Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 117–81, §539E(a)(2)(A), amended par. (1) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "In a capital case, if the accused is convicted of an offense for which the court-martial may sentence the accused to death, the members shall determine whether the sentence for that offense shall be death or a lesser authorized punishment."
Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 117–81, §539E(a)(2)(B), substituted "the military judge" for "the court-martial".
2017—Subsec. (b)(1)(B). Pub. L. 115–91 struck out "in a trial" after "convicted of an offense".
2016—Pub. L. 114–328 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "A court-martial shall announce its findings and sentence to the parties as soon as determined."
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2021 Amendment
Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title V, §539E(f), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1706, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and sections 853a, 856, and 866 of this title and repealing provisions set out as a note under section 856 of this title] shall take effect on the date that is two years after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 27, 2021] and shall apply to sentences adjudged in cases in which all findings of guilty are for offenses that occurred after the date that is two years after the date of the enactment of this Act."
Effective Date of 2017 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 115–91 effective immediately after the amendments made by div. E (§§5001–5542) of Pub. L. 114–328 take effect as provided for in section 5542 of that Act (10 U.S.C. 801 note), see section 1081(c)(4) of Pub. L. 115–91, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.
Effective Date of 2016 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.
§853a. Art. 53a. Plea agreements
(a) In General.—(1) Subject to paragraph (3), at any time before the announcement of findings under section 853 of this title (article 53), the convening authority and the accused may enter into a plea agreement with respect to such matters as—
(A) the manner in which the convening authority will dispose of one or more charges and specifications; and
(B) limitations on the sentence that may be adjudged for one or more charges and specifications.
(2) The military judge of a general or special court-martial may not participate in discussions between the parties concerning prospective terms and conditions of a plea agreement.
(3) With respect to charges and specifications over which a special trial counsel exercises authority pursuant to section 824a of this title (article 24a), a plea agreement under this section may only be entered into between a special trial counsel and the accused. Such agreement shall be subject to the same limitations and conditions applicable to other plea agreements under this section (article).
(b) Acceptance of Plea Agreement.—Subject to subsection (c), the military judge of a general or special court-martial shall accept a plea agreement submitted by the parties, except that—
(1) in the case of an offense with a sentencing parameter set forth in regulations prescribed by the President pursuant to section 539E(e) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022, the military judge may reject a plea agreement that proposes a sentence that is outside the sentencing parameter if the military judge determines that the proposed sentence is plainly unreasonable; and
(2) in the case of an offense for which the President has not established a sentencing parameter pursuant to section 539E(e) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022, the military judge may reject a plea agreement that proposes a sentence if the military judge determines that the proposed sentence is plainly unreasonable.
(c) Limitation on Acceptance of Plea Agreements.—The military judge of a general or special court-martial shall reject a plea agreement that—
(1) contains a provision that has not been accepted by both parties;
(2) contains a provision that is not understood by the accused;
(3) except as provided in subsection (c), contains a provision for a sentence that is less than the mandatory minimum sentence applicable to an offense referred to in section 856(b)(2) of this title (article 56(b)(2));
(4) is prohibited by law; or
(5) is contrary to, or is inconsistent with, a regulation prescribed by the President with respect to terms, conditions, or other aspects of plea agreements.
(d) Limited Conditions for Acceptance of Plea Agreement for Sentence Below Mandatory Minimum for Certain Offenses.—With respect to an offense referred to in section 856(b)(2) of this title (article 56(b)(2))—
(1) the military judge may accept a plea agreement that provides for a sentence of bad conduct discharge; and
(2) upon recommendation of the trial counsel, in exchange for substantial assistance by the accused in the investigation or prosecution of another person who has committed an offense, the military judge may accept a plea agreement that provides for a sentence that is less than the mandatory minimum sentence for the offense charged.
(e) Binding Effect of Plea Agreement.—Upon acceptance by the military judge of a general or special court-martial, a plea agreement shall bind the parties (including the convening authority and the special trial counsel in the case of a plea agreement entered into under subsection (a)(3)) and the court-martial.
(Added Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LVII, §5237, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2917; amended Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title V, §531(d), title X, §1081(c)(1)(H), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1384, 1598; Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title V, §§539, 539E(b), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1698, 1701.)
Editorial Notes
References in Text
Section 539E(e) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022, referred to in subsec. (b), is section 539E(e) of Pub. L. 117–81, which is set out as a note under section 856 of this title.
Amendments
2021—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 117–81, §539(a)(1), substituted "Subject to paragraph (3), at any time" for "At any time" in introductory provisions.
Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 117–81, §539(a)(2), added par. (3).
Subsecs. (b), (c). Pub. L. 117–81, §539E(b), added subsec. (b) and redesignated former subsec. (b) as (c). Former subsec. (c) redesignated (d).
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 117–81, §539E(b)(1), redesignated subsec. (c) as (d). Former subsec. (d) redesignated (e).
Pub. L. 117–81, §539(b), inserted "(including the convening authority and the special trial counsel in the case of a plea agreement entered into under subsection (a)(3))" after "parties".
Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 117–81, §539E(b)(1), redesignated subsec. (d) as (e).
2017—Subsec. (b)(4), (5). Pub. L. 115–91, §531(d)(1), added pars. (4) and (5).
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 115–91, §1081(c)(1)(H), which directed substitution of "court-martial" for "military judge" the second place it appeared, could not be executed because of the prior amendment by Pub. L. 115–91, §531(d)(2). See below.
Pub. L. 115–91, §531(d)(2), substituted "shall bind the parties and the court-martial" for "shall bind the parties and the military judge".
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2021 Amendment
Amendment by section 539 of Pub. L. 117–81 effective on the date that is two years after Dec. 27, 2021, and applicable with respect to offenses that occur after that date, with provisions for delayed effect and applicability if regulations are not prescribed by the President before the date that is two years after Dec. 27, 2021, see section 539C of Pub. L. 117–81, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.
Amendment by section 539E(b) of Pub. L. 117–81 effective on the date that is two years after Dec. 27, 2021, and applicable to sentences adjudged in cases in which all findings of guilty are for offenses that occurred after the date that is two years after Dec. 27, 2021, see section 539E(f) of Pub. L. 117–81, set out as a note under section 853 of this title.
Effective Date of 2017 Amendment
Amendment by section 531(d) of Pub. L. 115–91 effective immediately after the amendments made by div. E (§§5001–5542) of Pub. L. 114–328 take effect as provided for in section 5542 of that Act (10 U.S.C. 801 note), see section 531(p) of Pub. L. 115–91, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.
Amendment by section 1081(c)(1)(H) of Pub. L. 115–91 effective immediately after the amendments made by div. E (§§5001–5542) of Pub. L. 114–328 take effect as provided for in section 5542 of that Act (10 U.S.C. 801 note), see section 1081(c)(4) of Pub. L. 115–91, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.
Effective Date
Section effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.
§854. Art. 54. Record of trial
(a) General and Special Courts-martial.—Each general or special court-martial shall keep a separate record of the proceedings in each case brought before it. The record shall be certified by a court-reporter, except that in the case of death, disability, or absence of a court reporter, the record shall be certified by an official selected as the President may prescribe by regulation.
(b) Summary Courts-martial.—Each summary court-martial shall keep a separate record of the proceedings in each case, and the record shall be certified in the manner required by such regulations as the President may prescribe.
(c) Contents of Record.—(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), the record shall contain such matters as the President may prescribe by regulation.
(2) In accordance with regulations prescribed by the President, a complete record of proceedings and testimony shall be prepared in any case of a sentence of death, dismissal, discharge, confinement for more than six months, or forfeiture of pay for more than six months.
(d) Copy to Accused.—A copy of the record of the proceedings of each general and special court-martial shall be given to the accused as soon as it is certified.
(e) Copy to Victim.—In the case of a general or special court-martial, upon request, a copy of all prepared records of the proceedings of the court-martial shall be given to the victim of the offense if the victim testified during the proceedings. The records of the proceedings shall be provided without charge and as soon as the records are certified. The victim shall be notified of the opportunity to receive the records of the proceedings.
(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 56; Pub. L. 90–632, §2(23), Oct. 24, 1968, 82 Stat. 1340; Pub. L. 98–209, §6(c), Dec. 6, 1983, 97 Stat. 1400; Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title V, §555(a)], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A-127; Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title V, §586(e), Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1435; Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LVII, §5238, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2918.)
In subsection (a), the word "If" is substituted for the words "In case". The words "any of those" are substituted for the word "such" in the last sentence.
In subsection (b), the words "and the" are substituted for the word "which" before the word "record". The words "the matter and shall be authenticated in the manner required by such regulations as" are substituted for the words "such matter and be authenticated in such manner as may be required by regulations which".
In subsection (c), the words "it is" are inserted before the word "authenticated".
Editorial Notes
Codification
Another section 586(e) of Pub. L. 112–81 is set out in a note under section 1561 of this title.
Amendments
2016—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 114–328, §5238(1), added subsec. (a) and struck out former subsec. (a) which read as follows: "Each general court-martial shall keep a separate record of the proceedings in each case brought before it, and the record shall be authenticated by the signature of the military judge. If the record cannot be authenticated by the military judge by reason of his death, disability, or absence, it shall be authenticated by the signature of the trial counsel or by that of a member if the trial counsel is unable to authenticate it by reason of his death, disability, or absence. In a court-martial consisting of only a military judge the record shall be authenticated by the court reporter under the same conditions which would impose such a duty on a member under this subsection."
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 114–328, §5238(2), substituted "Summary Courts-martial.—Each summary court-martial" for "Each special and summary court-martial" and "certified" for "authenticated".
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 114–328, §5238(3), added subsec. (c) and struck out former subsec. (c) which related to preparation of complete record of proceedings.
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 114–328, §5238(4), inserted heading and substituted "certified" for "authenticated".
Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 114–328, §5238(5), inserted heading and substituted ", upon request," for "involving a sexual assault or other offense covered by section 920 of this title (article 120)," and "certified" for "authenticated".
2011—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 112–81 added subsec. (e).
2000—Subsec. (c)(1)(B). Pub. L. 106–398 inserted ", confinement for more than six months, or forfeiture of pay for more than six months" after "bad-conduct discharge".
1983—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 98–209, §6(c)(1), struck out provision that if the proceedings had resulted in an acquittal of all charges and specifications or, if not affecting a general or flag officer, in a sentence not including discharge and not in excess of that which could otherwise be adjudged by a special court-martial, the record had to contain such matters as might be prescribed by regulations of the President.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 98–209, §6(c)(2), substituted "the record" for "the record shall contain the matter and".
Subsecs. (c), (d). Pub. L. 98–209, §6(c)(3), (4), added subsec. (c) and redesignated former subsec. (c) as (d).
1968—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 90–632 provided for authentication of a record of trial by general court-martial by the signature of the military judge, for alternate methods of authentication if the military judge for specified reasons is unable to authenticate it, for authentication when a court-martial consists only of a military judge, and for summarized records of trial in specified cases.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2016 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 effective on Jan. 1, 2019, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328 and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under section 801 of this title.
Effective Date of 2000 Amendment
Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title V, §555(b)], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A-127, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect as of April 1, 2000, and shall apply with respect to charges referred on or after that date to trial by special court-martial."
Effective Date of 1983 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 98–209 effective first day of eighth calendar month beginning after Dec. 6, 1983, but not to apply to any case in which the findings and sentence were adjudged by a court-martial before that date, and the proceedings in any such case to be held in the same manner and with the same effect as if such amendments had not been enacted, see section 12(a)(1), (4) of Pub. L. 98–209, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.
Effective Date of 1968 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 90–632 effective first day of tenth month following October 1968, see section 4 of Pub. L. 90–632, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.