Legal Definitions - general court-martial

A general court-martial is a type of military court that is convened under military authority to try someone accused of violating the Uniform Code of Military Justice, particularly a member of the armed forces. It is the highest military trial court.

For example, if a soldier is accused of a serious offense like desertion or mutiny, they may be tried in a general court-martial. The court is presided over by a military judge and no fewer than five members who serve as jurors.

Other types of courts-martial include:

• Special court-martial: An intermediate level of courts-martial that is presided over by a military judge and no fewer than three members to hear noncapital offenses and prescribe a sanction of hard labor, dismissal, or extended confinement (up to six months).
• Summary court-martial: The lowest level of courts-martial, presided over by a single commissioned officer who is jurisdictionally limited in what sanctions can be imposed.

Overall, courts-martial are used to maintain discipline and order within the military and ensure that members of the armed forces are held accountable for their actions.