Courts-Martial Verdicts....should they be published

2015-02-19T18:23:15-05:00

http://www.armytimes.com/story/military/crime/2015/02/18/-ucmj-military-justice-law/23633617/

The Army times just published a listing of courts-martials results. Do you think this helps the service in any manner?

Throughout my career, I have seen some units post ART-15 finds (with redacted information) and other units who said not to do it. Maybe at the ART-15 level, where there is more interaction between the Soldiers, it may not be a good idea, however I think there is value in showing what Soldiers are receiving for their actions. It can also show that Soldiers can recover from their wrong decisions, if they work hard.

Does this work at the CM level?

Should it be consistent across the board?

Army releases verdicts of January courts-martial

The following January courts-martial results were released last week by the Army: First Judicial Circuit On Jan. 7 at a general-court martial

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2015 6:27 PM

2015-02-19T18:27:18-05:00

I think it can work as a deterrent, sir. Seems like a decent idea to me. It shows Soldiers what awaits when they do something stupid, and it might be just what some (granted, it's only some) need to stop thinking about whatever they were contemplating. The punishment that awaits is the deterrent.

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Feb 19 at 2015 6:31 PM

2015-02-19T18:31:54-05:00

Sir,

I agree with publicizing the Article 15 results as well as the Courts Martial Verdicts for a couple reasons. It shows due process (whether the Service member is found guilty or not-guilty) as well as give the citizens of our great country an opportunity to see that we hold our own accountable for their actions. Don't get me wrong, there are some cases that the general public will not fully understand or even agree with however, I do agree with the theory of publishing these procedures.....I believe there is a freedom of information act requirement (if requested) as well. Keeps our transparency as well, which is a good thing.

Response by PO2 Christopher Morehouse made Feb 19 at 2015 6:51 PM

2015-02-19T18:51:06-05:00

I think it is even more important at the NJP (Art 15) level to publish for transparency's sake. The people in my shop read those lists much like we read the Darwin awards. Sure, we read them as a sort of entertainment, but it also instilled in us what we could expect if any of us stepped out of line. If someone got what we all knew to be the average punishment, there was sense of he got what he deserved. I feel that if we did not have this idea, there would be feelings that someone got hammered when they really weren't. In short, I thought it was good for discipline and morale.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2015 6:59 PM

2015-02-19T18:59:49-05:00

I think it is only fair that they are published. They are, after all, matters of public record.

Response by MSgt Jim Pollock made Feb 19 at 2015 7:42 PM

2015-02-19T19:42:21-05:00

Yes, I support the results of Courts Martial being publicized. Contrary to other's opinions, I feel the function is transparency (versus say, deterrance). Military members must have confidence that our justice system is fair and just. In fact, I wish these synopses were more detailed so that members could see the full processs that led to each conviction or acquittal.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Feb 19 at 2015 7:54 PM

2015-02-19T19:54:15-05:00

CM's are federal convictions and a matter of public record. No reason not to publish them. The JAG office here actually publishes a redacted CM, Art15, and Discharge listings each month. The JAG who writes it often does so with a rather humorous spin with a theme based on whatever holiday of the month. This month's was all Mardi gras themed.

Response by CSM Frank Graham made Feb 26 at 2015 4:30 AM

2015-02-26T04:30:30-05:00

I think this is great. It will allow all to see that the legal system is working or not working. It also lets all know if you commit an act of misconduct you will be taken care of good or bad. It will make some think twice about doing something stupid. It helps.