Amendments to the Manual for Courts-Martial, United States, 1984

1995-05-17Executive Order 12960
Signed by: William J. Clinton
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Headline: Orders Amendments to Military Courts-Martial Rules and Procedures

What it does: Military legal authorities must implement the specified amendments to the Manual for Courts‑Martial and apply them starting June 10, 1995.

Real World Impact:
  • Expands and clarifies criminal offenses like rape, self‑injury, and drunken operation.
  • Creates new rules for handling classified evidence, including closed in camera hearings.
  • Limits how sentences can be reconsidered and sets June 10, 1995 effective date.
Topics: military justice, criminal law, court procedures, evidence handling, sentencing rules

Summary

This order amends the Manual for Courts‑Martial, updating many military criminal rules, evidence procedures, and punishment provisions.

It changes rules on sentencing and reconsideration, the handling of classified evidence with closed hearings, and redefines or clarifies offenses including rape, drunken or reckless operation of vehicles, and intentional self‑injury.

The amendments take effect on June 10, 1995, are not retroactive to earlier acts, and require military legal authorities and convening authorities to apply the new rules in courts‑martial.

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