Report of the Military Justice Review Group, Part 1: Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) Recommendations

Abstract

The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) provides the statutory framework for the military justice system. In this Report, the Military Justice Review Group (MJRG) analyzes each UCMJ article, including its historical background, current practice, and comparison to federal civilian law. The Report proposes substantive additions to the UCMJ through 37new articles, substantive statutory amendments to 68 articles, and includes consolidated draft legislation incorporating all proposed changes. These proposed changes would enhance the purpose of military law as stated in the Preamble to the Manual for Courts-Martial (MCM): “[T]o promote justice, to assist in maintaining good order and discipline in the armed forces, to promote efficiency and effectiveness in the military establishment, and thereby to strengthen the national security of the United States.