Who has the authority to convene a General Court Martial?

The authority to convene a General Court Martial is reserved specifically for a General Officer. This is established in the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), which outlines the jurisdiction and authority of various types of courts martial within the military justice system. A General Court Martial is the highest level of military trial, capable of adjudicating serious offenses and imposing significant penalties, including imprisonment and dishonorable discharge.

General Officers, who hold the rank of Brigadier General or higher, possess the necessary authority and responsibility to ensure that such serious proceedings are conducted fairly and in accordance with military law. This authority is intended to maintain a standard of oversight appropriate for the gravity associated with the charges typically involved in a General Court Martial.

In contrast, other ranks of officers (whether commissioned or not) do not have the legal power to convene such proceedings, reflecting the requirement for senior-level judgment and decision-making in handling major offenses within the military structure. This reinforces the command hierarchy and the seriousness with which the military treats judicial matters.