MCWP 11-10 — Marine Corps Legal Support

MCWP 11-10 governs Marine Corps legal support, including command legal advice, legal services support, and planning.

Search MCWP 11-10

  • Publication number: MCWP 11-10
  • Title: MARINE CORPS LEGAL SUPPORT
  • Date: 1 May 2025
  • Proponent: 03000 Operations & Readiness
  • Status: Current

View MCWP 11-10 on armypubs.army.mil


It covers military justice, international and operational law, administrative law, civil law, legal assistance, and legal administration and management. It describes commanders’ responsibility to conduct military operations in accordance with the law, regulations, and policy and the role of judge advocates in planning.

Applies to: This publication is intended primarily for commanders, staff officers, and legal professionals who want to understand the doctrinal fundamentals surrounding legal support.

Topics covered

  • Command legal advice
  • Legal services support
  • Military justice
  • International and operational law
  • Administrative law
  • Civil law
  • Legal assistance
  • Marine Corps planning process

Questions and answers

What are commanders responsible for under MCWP 11-10?

Commanders are responsible for maintaining good order and discipline and conducting military operations in accordance with the law, regulations, and policy. (paragraph 1)

Why is professional legal support necessary in the Marine Corps?

Having professional and comprehensive legal support is necessary to respond to legal issues, necessitating the assignment of legal professionals throughout the Fleet Marine Forces (FMF), supporting establishment, and Headquarters, United States Marine Corps (HQMC). (paragraph 1)

What two concepts guide Marine Corps legal support?

Despite the growing legal complexity of today’s operating environment, the Marine Corps remains dedicated to two major concepts relative to legal support: that Marines provide legal support to fellow Marines, and that Marines who provide legal support are unrestricted and not a separate corps. (paragraph 1)

Does the Marine Corps have a Judge Advocate General Corps?

Although lawyers in the Marine Corps are called judge advocates, the Marine Corps has no Judge Advocate General Corps. (paragraph 1)

How does the legal community support Marine Corps requirements?

The legal community provides the Marine Corps flexibility in that its members can be used in a broad span of assignments necessary to meet requirements. (paragraph 1)

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