Military Justice System in the United States Essay -- Law

When one joins the United States military, one becomes subject to a completely new justice system. While the primary purpose of the United States justice system is to dispense "justice," that is not the primary reason for the creation of a separate justice system for America's Armed Forces. The primary purpose of the military's system is to provide the military commander with necessary tools to enforce good order and discipline. That's why, for example, it's not considered a "crime" to be late for work at your civilian job, but it is a "crime" to be late for work in the Military. The purpose then is to keep soldiers acting as soldiers so the correctional philosophy in the military has evolved in such a way to do just that. In discussing the UCMJ and corrections, the following topics are significant. Introduction and History of the UCMJ Counseling and Corrective Training Non-Judicial punishment in the UCMJ Courts Martial in the UCMJ Introduction and History of the UCMJ The Uniform Code of Military Justice is a federal system of laws created by congress in 1950. The UCMJ replaces the Articles of War that had been the justice system since 1789. The UCMJ is the foundation for justice in the United States Military. The UCMJ has had several major revisions to keep with the times; two such revisions came in 1968, and 1983. The UCMJ may also be referred to as United States Code, Title 10, Subtitle A, Part II, Chapter 47. The Uniform Code of Military Justice otherwise known as the UCMJ exists to keep disciplne and order in the military. (Powers, Military Justice 101) The UCMJ resembles civilian laws in many ways. It has laws that address stealing, burglary, alcohol, and many others a kin to civilian laws. The di... ...nt behavior in the military. References Department of the Army. (2002) AR 21-10 Military Justice. Washington D.C.: United States Army Publishing Authority. Department of the Army. (1992) FM 21-1 Legal Guide For Commanders. Washington D.C.: United States Army Publishing Authority. Department of the Army. (2002) Manual for Courts-Martial. Washington D.C.: United States Army Publishing Authority. Powers, R. (n.d.). Nonjudicial Punishment. Retrieved February 13, 2005, from http://usmilitary.about.com/od/justicelawlegislation/a/article15_1.htm Powers, R. (n.d.). Military Justice 101. Retrieved February 13, 2005, from http://usmilitary.about.com/od/justicelawlegislation/a/miljustice.htm