Legal Definitions - mutiny

Mutiny is when members of the military, especially sailors, rebel against their commanding officers and refuse to follow orders. It is a serious offense that can result in punishment, including the death penalty. Mutiny can also refer to any uprising against authority.

• A group of sailors on a navy ship refuse to follow orders and take control of the ship, demanding better working conditions.
• A group of soldiers in an army unit rebel against their commanding officer and refuse to go on a mission.

These examples illustrate mutiny because in both cases, members of the military are disobeying their commanding officers and taking control of the situation. This is a serious offense because it undermines the authority of the military and can put lives at risk.