How many types of court-martial are recognized under the UCMJ?

The recognized number of types of court-martial under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) is three. These are the summary court-martial, the special court-martial, and the general court-martial.

Each type serves a different purpose and is designed for varying levels of offenses. The summary court-martial is typically used for minor offenses and involves a streamlined process intended to expedite cases, allowing for a single officer to serve as the judge and jury. The special court-martial addresses more serious offenses and can involve a panel of officers or enlisted personnel, functioning similarly to a civilian misdemeanor court. Finally, the general court-martial is reserved for the most serious offenses, similar to felony cases in civilian courts, and includes a formal trial process with the potential for severe penalties including confinement and discharge from military service.

Understanding the different levels of court-martial is essential for recognizing how the military judicial system operates in handling various offenses committed by service members.