Appellate Review

After review of the record of trial by a judge advocate and action by the convening authority (to approve or reduce the findings and sentence of a court-martial), military accused are afforded automatic appellate review of their case by the Navy and Marine Corps Court of Criminal Appeals (NMCCA) if the sentence approved by the convening authority includes a punitive discharge or confinement for a year or more. Decisions of the NMCCA can be challenged before the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces (CCAF), if that court grants review. Likewise, decisions of the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces may be reviewed by the US Supreme Court upon grant of a writ of certiorari.

Source: Judge Advocate General.

Last reviewed October 2023