CIVIL COURT LIAISON

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: List and explain the duties of a civilian court liaison.

Depending on the size, location, and number of cases handled, Masters-at-Arms may be assigned to a civil court. The purpose of this assignment is to establish and maintain a good working relationship between armed forces personnel and civilian law enforcement agencies and the court.

Duties of civilian court liaison include:

Learn of civilian offenses committed by military personnel, using all available resources

Initiate reports as required; e.g., original reports on cases not reported to the patrol section plus needed supplemental reports

Maintain a working file on each open case; ensure the destruction of each working file as a case is closed

Place military detainers on service personnel confined by civil authorities who have military charges pending

Attend sessions of criminal and traffic courts whenever military offenders are tried and provide assistance to civil court and law enforcement personnel

Accept custody of military personnel released by civil authorities and make appropriate disposition

Keep concerned units advised of the status of those in civil confinement

Act as liaison between individuals in confinement and the military

Maintain a written record of visits made and units notified

SUMMARY

In this chapter, we looked at the three different types of courts-martial, their creation, and the duties and qualifications of the personnel involved. We also covered advice to the accused regarding rights and right of counsel. Punishments that can be awarded in each court were covered, along with prohibited punishments. Suggestions for Master-at-Arms to improve their performance on the witness stand were given. Finally, the usual duties of Master-at-Arms at courts-martial and courts of inquiry were discussed, as well as the duties of a civilian court liaison.