Court-Martial

a military court convened to try a soldier for an offense against military law, as mutiny, desertion, breach of orders, conduct unbecoming a soldier, etc. As provided by the statutes of the United States, a court-martial may consist of from five to thirteen commissioned officers above the rank of second-lieutenant. It may be convened by the commander. The members of the court must hold rank superior to that of the accused, that their chance for promotion may not be increased by his punishment. The finding of the court is of force only when approved by higher authority. In case of death penalty the finding must be approved by the secretary of war or the president.