PAM 27-17 — Procedural Guide For Article 32 Preliminary Hearing Officer
PAM 27-17 governs Article 32 preliminary hearings, including preparation, conduct, reporting, checklists, common mistakes, and scripts.
- Publication number: PAM 27-17
- Title: PROCEDURAL GUIDE FOR ARTICLE 32 PRELIMINARY HEARING OFFICER
- Date: 09/12/2025
- Proponent: TJAG
- Status: ACTIVE
View PAM 27-17 on armypubs.army.mil
It explains preliminary hearing procedures, evidence and testimony, officer responsibilities, and report preparation. It requires determinations about probable cause, jurisdiction, charge form, and disposition recommendations.
Applies to: This guide is published for use by officers appointed as preliminary hearing officers (PHOs) under Article 32 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).
Topics covered
- Article 32 preliminary hearings
- Preliminary hearing preparation
- Formal hearing procedures
- Testimony and evidence
- Preliminary hearing officer reports
- Sexual assault offenses
- Preliminary hearing scripts
Questions and answers
What must the Article 32 case file contain?
The case file must include a copy of the charge sheet; Article 32 appointment order; documents accompanying the charge sheet on which the preferral decision was based; documents provided to the convening authority when deciding to direct the preliminary hearing; documents the Government counsel intends to present at the hearing; and access to tangible objects the Government counsel intends to present at the hearing. (paragraph 2-1)
Can the preliminary hearing officer use case-file documents to make a recommendation?
You cannot use the documents contained in the file to make your recommendation, unless the documents have been admitted into evidence during the Article 32 preliminary hearing. (paragraph 2-1)
What are the requirements for testimony at a formal preliminary hearing?
All testimony must be taken under oath, except the accused may make an unsworn statement. (paragraph 3-3)
When must an Article 32 preliminary hearing be recorded?
The preliminary hearing must be recorded by a suitable recording device. (paragraph 3-3)
Who must conduct a preliminary hearing in a sexual assault-related case?
In cases where the accused has been charged with a sexual assault-related offense, the convening authority must appoint a judge advocate PHO without exception. (paragraph 1-6)