ACCA has issued an opinion in United States v. Watson, another administrative discharge issued pending appeal, this time an officer. A military judge sitting as a general court-martial convicted appellant, pursuant to her pleas, of larceny of government property and fraud against the United States (two specifications), in violation of…
Navy Times reports that: A former sector commander in Alaska is facing a general court-marital for charges of adultery, fraternization and other sexual improprieties. Capt. Herbert “Mark” Hamilton III has been charged with 30 counts, including: failing to follow orders; lying to investigators; committing adultery with enlisted personnel; sending and…
Fay Observer reports that: U.S. District Judge Terrence Boyle on Wednesday dismissed an effort by Army Master Sgt. Timothy Bailey Hennis to stop his court-martial for a 1985 triple homicide near Fort Bragg. A jury has been seated in the court-martial. Opening statements and testimony are scheduled to begin today.…
The FayObserver.com is reporting that a members panel has been selected and that trial on the merits will begin Wednesday, 17 March 2009.
Here is a piece about guilty pleas in military death penalty cases from FDL. The New York Times is reporting that the Obama Administration is considering changing the law to permit prisoners at Gitmo to plead guilty to death penalty cases without need for a trial. This is apparently a…
Kate Wiltrout in the Virginia Pilot reports that the military judge has directed five defense witnesses be given immunity or the proceedings will be abated. The case against a Navy SEAL accused of not protecting an alleged Iraqi terrorist took a major turn Friday when a military judge ordered that…
Daily Caller reports that: Following a two-week absence, the Fort Hood attorney was back at it Friday despite a gag order, blogging on the perceived injustices suffered by his defense team in defending Major Nidal Hasan, the man charged in the shooting deaths of 13 people. As previously reported by…
In this case we decide whether Joshua Williams, who pleaded guilty to carnal knowledge of a minor in violation of military law while serving in the Navy, is exempt from registration as a sex offender pursuant to Penal Code sections 290, subdivision (c) and 290.005 (undesignated statutory references are to…
FayObserver reports that: A 12th juror was seated in the court-martial of Army Master Sgt. Timothy B. Hennis at Fort Bragg this morning, but the total was quickly knocked back to 10. Attorneys on both sides exercised their right to peremptorily challenge one juror each.
R.C.M. 701(b)(2) sets out the requirement for defense disclosure if there will be an innocent ingestion defense. Assuming the accused is the only witness who may testify to an innocent ingestion, must the defense disclose that under the rule. My answer is no. To force a disclosure prior to testimony…