Military law is the distinct body of law that applies to members of the armed forces. Service members are subject to a separate justice and regulatory system that exists alongside, and differs from, the civilian legal system.
This area covers the military justice process, including the rules of conduct that apply to service members and the proceedings used to address alleged violations; administrative actions affecting a service member's status, rank, or discharge; and various rights and protections connected to military service. It also touches issues such as discharge characterization and the review of military records.
Key concepts a non-lawyer should understand include the existence of a separate code of conduct and justice system for service members; the difference between disciplinary or criminal proceedings and administrative actions that affect a military career; and the way the type of discharge a service member receives can have lasting effects, including on later benefits. The procedures and terminology in this system differ significantly from civilian courts.
This field is most relevant to current and former service members and their families. People typically seek a lawyer experienced in military law when facing disciplinary or criminal proceedings, an administrative action affecting their service, a discharge issue, or a request to correct or upgrade military records.
