PAM 27-7 — Guide For Summary Court-martial Trial Procedure
PAM 27-7 governs procedures for fair and impartial Summary Courts-Martial trials and related trial duties.
- Publication number: PAM 27-7
- Title: GUIDE FOR SUMMARY COURT-MARTIAL TRIAL PROCEDURE
- Date: 04/02/2014
- Proponent: TJAG
- Status: ACTIVE
View PAM 27-7 on armypubs.army.mil
It covers key personnel, trial procedure, evidence, motions, witnesses, pleas, findings, sentencing, and post-trial actions. It requires the SCM officer to conduct proceedings fairly, prepare and authenticate the record, and forward the original record to the convening authority.
Topics covered
- Summary Court-Martial officers
- Trial procedure guides
- Military Rules of Evidence
- Motions to suppress
- Attendance of witnesses
- Maximum punishments
- Plea proceedings
- Post-trial record completion
Questions and answers
What is the SCM officer responsible for during a trial?
The SCM officer is the presiding officer at all sessions of the trial and is responsible for ensuring that the proceedings are conducted in a fair, orderly, and dignified manner in accordance with law. (paragraph 1-3)
What legal questions can the legal advisor answer?
The legal advisor will answer any questions of law or procedure which arise. (paragraph 1-3)
Does an accused have the right to counsel at a Summary Court-Martial?
The accused at a SCM does not have the right to counsel. (paragraph 1-3)
What evidence rules apply at a Summary Court-Martial proceeding?
The Military Rules of Evidence (Mil. R. Evid.), found in Part III of the MCM, apply at a SCM proceeding. (paragraph 2-2)
What does a motion to dismiss address?
A motion to dismiss is a request to terminate further proceedings as to one or more charges and specifications on grounds capable of resolution without trial of the general issue of guilt. (paragraph 2-3)