Court-martial

A court martial (plural courts martial) is a military or quasi-military judicial trial during which a member of that organization faces charges. It can also refer to the officer or officers conducting the trial.

Charges Starfleet crewmembers or officers could face during a court martial include insubordination, culpable negligence and violations of Starfleet General Orders. The accused, as in most fair and just courts of law, is innocent until proven guilty; he or she also holds the right to have counsel during both the preliminary and general court martial hearings: a right that can be waived or retained. If the preliminary hearing determines a court martial is required, a Starfleet Judge Advocate General officer conducts the prosecution.

Three command of flag rank officers at minimum comprise the court, with the senior-most officer acting as the leading officer, controlling order, presentation of evidence, mode and evidence-based rulings. Prosecution and defence use evidence from a wide range of sources, including oral testimony, exhibits, records and sensor readings, to name a few. The accused retains the right to face those making accusations, cross-examine witnesses and testify on his or her behalf.

If the court martial finds the accused guilty, or if the accused pleads guilty, the defendant can introduce evidence mitigating or explaining guilt.