Court Martial Records

Court martial records are a type of public record that details the proceedings of trials conducted within the military justice system. These records are essential in ensuring the transparency and accountability of the military justice system, and they serve as a valuable resource for historians, legal scholars, and genealogists.

Types of Court Martial Records

There are three types of courts martial within the U.S. military, each of which produces its own court martial record:

– Summary Court Martial: This is the lowest level of court martial and is used for minor offenses committed by enlisted service members. The trial is conducted by a single officer who acts as judge and jury.

– Special Court Martial: SPCMs are used for more serious offenses and can try both enlisted personnel and officers. A military judge presides over the trial, and a panel of at least three members (or a single judge if the accused requests it) determines the verdict.

– General Court Martial: GCMs are the highest level of military courts and are used for the most severe offenses. A military judge presides over the trial, and a panel of at least five members (or a single judge if the accused requests it) determines the verdict.

Accessing Court Martial Records

Court martial records can be found through various channels, depending on their age and classification status. Here are some ways to access these records:

– National Archives and Records Administration (NARA): NARA holds the majority of historical court martial records dating back to the Revolutionary War. You can search their online catalog or visit one of their research facilities to access these records.

– Military Service Branches: Each branch of the U.S. military maintains its own court martial records. For recent cases, you may need to contact the appropriate military branch’s Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) office or public affairs office. They can provide guidance on accessing specific records or direct you to the appropriate repository.

– Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals (DOHA): DOHA maintains an online database of selected court martial records from 1996 to the present. You can search their database by name, date, or keyword to find relevant cases.

– Military Legal Assistance Offices: If you are a service member or a military dependent, you may be able to access court martial records through your local military legal assistance office. They can help you navigate the process of requesting and accessing these records.

Uses of Court Martial Records

Court martial records serve various purposes, including:

– Legal Proceedings: Court martial records provide a historical record of legal proceedings, which can be used as a reference in future cases. They help to establish legal precedents and provide guidance to military lawyers, judges, and other legal professionals.

– Historical Research: Court martial records are a valuable resource for historians, researchers, and genealogists who are studying military history. They provide a firsthand account of the military justice system and the behavior of service members during specific periods of time.

– Family History: Court martial records can help individuals trace their family’s military lineage and learn more about their ancestors’ service. These records provide details about the charges, verdict, and punishment of service members, as well as their rank, unit, and personal information.

– Accountability: Court martial records help to ensure transparency and accountability within the military justice system. They provide a way to monitor the behavior of service members and hold them accountable for their actions.

In Conclusion

Court martial records are an essential part of military history and legal proceedings. They provide a detailed account of trials conducted within the military justice system and serve as a reference for future cases. Court martial records are available through various channels, and they serve various purposes. By studying court martial records, we can gain a better understanding of the military justice system and the behavior of service members throughout history.