U.S. Military Law
The Constitution grants to Congress the power to raise and support armies and a navy, to suppress insurrections, and repel invasion among other military-related governmental roles. Thus, the main source of legal authority in this area is federal law. Congress's control over formation, organization and government of the national armies is plenary and exclusive.
The backbone of the military legal system is the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), which applies to all branches. Most of the issues covered in this document include the bringing of cases to military courts, the different types of court-martial, treatment and apprehension of prisoners, and the trial process. In addition, rules govern military jurisdiction, legal investigations, discharges, the release and revision of military records, post-trial review procedures, and appeals. For more details about court-martials, a commanding officer's legal authority and pre-trial confinement, see the topics list on the right.
The UCMJ applies to all active-duty, reserve & Guard, and retired military personnel. Violation of any of the articles of the UCMJ can bring punishments ranging from loss of privileges to confinement and discharge.
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