Court-martial

Court-martial, court for the trial of offenses against military rules and regulations. In the United States there are three types of court-martial: summary (which hears charges on minor offenses and can pass sentences of up to 1 month); special (which considers more serious offenses and can give sentences of up to 6 months); and general (which hears the most serious charges and can pass the death sentence). Courts-martial have no jury, and cases are decided by a simple majority of those on the court. There is an automatic review in all cases, and an appeal can be made to the Court of Military Appeals in serious cases.

See also: Uniform Code of Military Justice.