The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ): Articles and History

The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) is the foundation of military law in the United States. As a service member, understanding the UCMJ is essential since it defines the military justice system and outlines the rules you must follow.

What Are the Articles of the UCMJ?

The UCMJ consists of 146 articles that cover everything from military-specific offenses to crimes that exist in civilian law

Articles 1-76: Jurisdiction, NJP, Accused’s Rights, Trial Procedures

Articles 1-6 – Define terms and establish jurisdiction

Articles 7-14 – Explain apprehension and restraint procedures

Article 15 – Commanding Officer’s Non-Judicial Punishment (NJP)

Articles 16-29 – Detail court-martial types and procedures

Articles 30-76 – Explain the court-martial process

Article 31 – Compulsory Self-Incrimination Prohibited (Rights of the Accused)

Article 32 – Preliminary Hearing

Articles 77-134: Define Specific Offenses (The “Punitive Articles”)

Article 80 – Attempts

Article 85 – Desertion

Article 89 – Disrespect Toward Superior Commissioned Officer

Article 90 – Willfully Disobeying Superior Commissioned Officer

Article 92 – Failure to Obey Order or Regulation

Article 93 – Cruelty and Maltreatment

Article 107 – False Official Statements

Article 112 – Drunk on Duty

Article 112a – Wrongful Use, Possession, Distribution, or Introduction of Controlled Substances

Articles 118 & 119 – Murder & Manslaughter

Article 120 – Rape and Sexual Assault

Article 121 – Larceny and Wrongful Appropriation

Article 128 – Assault

Article 128b – Domestic Violence

Article 132 – Fraud Against the United States

Article 133 – Conduct Unbecoming an Officer

Article 134 – General Article (Includes a variety of offenses not specifically listed in the UCMJ)

Articles 135-146: Cover Miscellaneous Provisions

Article 138 – Complaints of Wrongs Against a Commanding Officer

History of the UCMJ

Before the UCMJ, military justice was chaotic and inconsistent:

Early Military Law (1775-1950)

Initially, the Continental Congress adopted British Articles of War
After independence, the US created its own Articles of War for the Army and Articles for the Government of the Navy
These separate systems created inconsistencies between branches

World War II Issues

During WWII, over 2 million courts-martial were conducted
Many service members complained about harsh and arbitrary punishments
Public outcry demanded reform of the military justice system

Creation of the UCMJ (1950)

President Truman signed the UCMJ into law in 1950
It took effect in 1951, creating a single legal standard across all military branches
The UCMJ established greater protections for service members’ rights

Key Reforms Since 1951

The Military Justice Act of 1968 created the military judiciary and enhanced due process
The Military Justice Act of 1983 aligned military courts more closely with federal courts
The Military Justice Act of 2016 modernized court-martial procedures and updated many articles

The UCMJ continues to evolve. Regular amendments ensure military justice balances military discipline needs with fair treatment and constitutional protections for service members.

Understanding these articles helps you navigate your rights and responsibilities as a service member and ensures you can perform your duties within the legal framework designed for the unique military environment.

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Articles of the
Uniform Code of Military Justice

The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ): Articles and History

What Are the Articles of the UCMJ?

Articles 1-76: Jurisdiction, NJP, Accused’s Rights, Trial Procedures

Articles 77-134: Define Specific Offenses (The “Punitive Articles”)

Articles 135-146: Cover Miscellaneous Provisions