Federal · Title 10 — Armed Forces

10 U.S.C. § 818: Art. 18. Jurisdiction of general courts-martial

Civil

What this law says, in plain English

This statute defines the jurisdiction and authority of general courts-martial to try military personnel for offenses under military law, including potential capital punishment when authorized.

Read the full statutory text
Subject to section 817 of this title (article 17), general courts-martial have jurisdiction to try persons subject to this chapter for any offense made punishable by this chapter and may, under such limitations as the President may prescribe, adjudge any punishment not forbidden by this chapter, including the penalty of death when specifically authorized by this chapter. General courts-martial also have jurisdiction to try any person who by the law of war is subject to trial by a military tribunal and may adjudge any punishment permitted by the law of war. A general court-martial of the kind specified in section 816(b)(3) of this title (article 16(b)(3)) shall not have jurisdiction to try any person for any offense for which the death penalty may be adjudged unless the case has been previously referred to trial as a noncapital case. A violation of subsection (a) or (b) of section 920 of this title (article 120). A violation of subsection (a) or (b) of section 920b of this title (article 120b). An attempt to commit an offense specified in paragraph (1) or (2) that is punishable under section 880 of this title (article 80).

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