2018 Amendments to the Manual for Courts-Martial, United States
Headline: Updates Military Court Rules; Sets Effective Dates for Changes
What it does: The order directs the military to adopt Annex 1 and Annex 2 amendments to the Manual for Courts-Martial and implement Military Justice Act changes effective January 1, 2019.
- Changes rules for military trials and available punishments for service members.
- Many amendments apply only to offenses committed on or after January 1, 2019.
- Defense Department will issue nonbinding guidance for commanders and military lawyers.
Summary
This executive order updates the rules governing military courts by amending Parts II, III, and IV of the Manual for Courts-Martial through two attached Annexes. Some amendments take effect on the date of the order; others, including many changes from the Military Justice Act, take effect January 1, 2019.
The order protects people from retroactive punishment, preserves ongoing prosecutions and nonjudicial actions begun before the effective dates, and directs the Defense Department to issue nonbinding guidance for commanders and military lawyers on handling charge dispositions.
Ask about this order
Ask questions about this executive order and its implications.
What agencies are affected by this order?
How does this order change existing policy?
What are the practical implications of this order?