Courts Martial

These are cases dealt with in public in a formal setting in a court run by a Judge Advocate. The 'jury' is a board of officers (or warrant officers in recent times). Since the introduction of the Armed Forces Act 2006 the old system of a General Courts Martial and District Courts Martial has been abolished. The Court Martial has a board of three or five members, determined solely by the seriousness of the offence charged.

Any accused who either elects for or is sent to a court martial is entitled to, and must ensure that they receive, legal representation paid for by the Armed Forces Criminal Legal Aid Authority (AFCLAA). Foster Wells have a vast depth of experience in matters of military law and courts martial both at home and overseas. We are very happy to provide you with an initial free interview or telephone consultation to discuss the situation and offer initial advice.

Despite any advice you might receive from elsewhere, an accused person will not be liable for any of our travel costs, irrespective of where in the UK or abroad they are based.