What article of the UCMJ addresses the rights of the accused?

Article 31 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) is crucial because it specifically addresses the rights of the accused in military justice proceedings. It guarantees that no person shall be compelled to incriminate themselves, establishing the right against self-incrimination. This is akin to the Fifth Amendment in civilian law. Furthermore, Article 31 outlines the requirement for military personnel to advise the accused of their rights when they are subject to interrogation or investigation. This ensures that service members are aware of their legal protections and can exercise them appropriately, reinforcing the principle of due process within the military justice system.

The other articles listed focus on different aspects of military law. For instance, Article 86 deals with absenteeism without leave, Article 91 addresses insubordinate conduct toward a warrant officer or non-commissioned officer, and Article 15 outlines the procedures for non-judicial punishment. Each of these articles serves specific functions within military law, but only Article 31 is dedicated to protecting the rights of the accused, making it the correct choice in this context.