LAW 503 - Military Law Seminar

This minicourse in Military Law is an intensive and critical introductory examination of the foundational aspects of criminal law and procedure in the armed forces of the United States. Topics will include sources of military criminal law, the application of the Bill of Rights, alternatives to prosecution, prosecutorial control by the convening authority, the nature of the military “jury,” judicial independence, and the appellate process. Where possible, a comparative approach will be used. Although this is largely a seminar, lecture will be used to introduce critical subjects. A graded paper is required; there is no examination. The course will be taught in five evening sessions the first two weeks of the semester, with the possibility of at least one optional session later in the semester. The text will be Fredric I. Lederer, “Military Law, Cases and Materials” (draft 2003 edition) which will be supplied. Francis A. Gilligan & Fredric I Lederer, “Court-Martial Procedure” 3rd edition 2006) (with 2012 supplement) will be made available. Note that this course does not address military commissions or the law of war.

This course satisfies the writing requirement.