Posted on Feb 19, 2015
Courts-Martial Verdicts....should they be published
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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?
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?
Posted in these groups: 
Punishment
Punishment
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 7
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I think it is only fair that they are published. They are, after all, matters of public record.
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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.
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.
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LTC (Join to see)
CSM Michael J. Uhlig Great points and agreed. I think it does go to show Soldiers that they can expect for bad decisions. Also shows that you can recover as well.
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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.
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