Criminal Law Department Presents

This week we examine the differences between custodial and non-custodial interrogations, and the interplay between a servicemember’s rights under Article 31(b) and Miranda. Learn more about The Quill & Sword series of podcasts by visiting our podcast page at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/thequillandsword. The Quill & Sword show includes featured episodes from across the JAGC, plus all episodes from our...

This week we discuss CAAF’s latest opinion concerning the role the providence inquiry fits into a mixed plea. Also, we discuss CAAF’s holding concerning whether defense counsel are ineffective when they fail to object to improper use of the providence inquiry. Learn more about The Quill & Sword series of podcasts by visiting our podcast page at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/thequillandsword. The Quill...

This week we examine the importance of the Statement of Trial Results and the Court of Criminal Appeals’ ability to change a collateral consequence. Specifically, we examine this issue in the context of domestic violence and Lautenberg qualification. Learn more about The Quill & Sword series of podcasts by visiting our podcast page at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/thequillandsword. The Quill & Sword sh...

This week we once again examine the caselaw surrounding a victim’s ability to file a writ during the course of a court-martial. This case also dives deeper into the interplay between M.R.E. 513 and R.C.M. 701 and 703. Learn more about The Quill & Sword series of podcasts by visiting our podcast page at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/thequillandsword. The Quill & Sword show includes featured episodes fro...

This week we dive into CAAF’s latest opinion on Article 120. Specifically, we examine the role “without consent” and “substantial incapacitation” play in the UCMJ’s statutory scheme. This is an important episode for all military justice practitioners as they embark on charging and defending sexual assault charges. Learn more about The Quill & Sword series of podcasts by visiting our podcast page a...

This week we examine CAAFs latest take on Article 134 and Article 117a. Specifically, we dive into the area of preemption and how practitioners can ensure that they are treading carefully when crafting novel 134 offenses. Learn more about The Quill & Sword series of podcasts by visiting our podcast page at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/thequillandsword. The Quill & Sword show includes featured episodes...

This week we examine a unique CAAF case examining the correct appellate standard for sentence appropriateness. Swisher examines what a closely related case is for purposes of this sentence appropriateness standard. Learn more about The Quill & Sword series of podcasts by visiting our podcast page at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/thequillandsword. The Quill & Sword show includes featured episodes from a...

This week we examine CAAF’s latest decision concerning implied bias and challenging a panel member for cause. Specifically, we discuss how a judge’s determination for implied bias is reviewed, what role the liberal grant mandate plays in the decision, and what practitioners can do to better shape/argue these challenges. Learn more about The Quill & Sword series of podcasts by visiting our podcast...

For this episode, we examine one of CAAF’s recent decisions interpreting Article 134. Specifically they analyze the concept of fair notice for a charge of indecent conduct. Learn more about The Quill & Sword series of podcasts by visiting our podcast page at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/thequillandsword. The Quill & Sword show includes featured episodes from across the JAGC, plus all episodes from our...

After our two special episodes, we once again discuss one of CAAF’s latest opinions – United States v. Metz. In this episode we discuss when someone becomes a suspect for Article 31 purposes, and when evidence must be suppressed after a suspect is illegally apprehended (in the context of ineffective assistance of counsel). Learn more about The Quill & Sword series of podcasts by visiting our podca...

After hearing from Judge Hardy last week, this week we get the trial judge’s perspective on the practice of military justice. We are joined by COL Trevor Barna and COL(R) James Pohl. They speak about the practice of military justice from their time on the bench. Connect with The Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School by visiting our website at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/ or on Facebook (tj...

In this special episode we are joined by the Honorable Liam Hardy, a current Judge on the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces. He shares valuable insight on the practice of military justice – including helpful tips for practitioners at all levels. Connect with The Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School by visiting our website at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/ or on Facebook (tjaglcs), Insta...

This episode examines two cases with very similar lessons for practitioners. Specifically, we examine the judicial disqualification rule under Rule for Court-Martial 902, and the caselaw surrounding prejudice. The CAAF highlights for practitioners yet again how important it is for practitioners to build a record. Connect with The Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School by visiting our web...

In this episode we examine the role the providence inquiry plays in a guilty plea. The CAAF’s decision in Cole highlights the detail required from all practitioners to ensure guilty please survive appellate review. Connect with The Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School by visiting our website at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/ or on Facebook (tjaglcs), Instagram (tjaglcs), or LinkedIn (school...

In this episode we examine Military Rule of Evidence 404(b). The CAAF’s opinion in U.S. v. Wilson provides excellent guidance for practitioners attempting to understand and utilize this rule in their trials. Connect with The Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School by visiting our website at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/ or on Facebook (tjaglcs), Instagram (tjaglcs), or LinkedIn (school/tjaglc...

In this episode of CAAF Chats, we examine CAAF’s latest opinion concerning their jurisdiction to hear appeals brought by crime victims. Specifically, this case clarifies who has standing to appeal a ruling by a military judge. Connect with The Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School by visiting our website at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/ or on Facebook (tjaglcs), Instagram (tjaglcs), or Link...

In this episode, we discuss CAAF's decision in United States v. Palik. This case discusses the standard for ineffective assistance of counsel and Rule for Courts-Martial 914 - providing analysis for when to file this type of motion. Connect with The Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School by visiting our website at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/ or on Facebook (tjaglcs), Instagram (tjaglcs), o...

In this episode, we discuss CAAF's decision in United States v. Flores. This case examines sentence appropriateness review under the new sentencing procedures established by the Military Justice Act of 2016. Connect with The Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School by visiting our website at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/ or on Facebook (tjaglcs), Instagram (tjaglcs), or LinkedIn (school/tjaglc...

In this episode, we discuss CAAF's decision in United States v. Driskill. This case examines Double Jeopardy and its application to offenses charged under Article 134. Connect with The Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School by visiting our website at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/ or on Facebook (tjaglcs), Instagram (tjaglcs), or LinkedIn (school/tjaglcs).

In this episode, we discuss CAAF's decision in United States v. Ramirez. Specifically, we examine when a military judge must allow questions concerning racial bias during voir dire - while discussing voir dire and bias generally. Connect with The Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School by visiting our website at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/ or on Facebook (tjaglcs), Instagram (tjaglcs), or L...

In this episode, we discuss CAAF's decision in United States v. Warda. Here, the CAAF examines the remedy when the Government is unable to produce documents required by Rule for Courts-Martial 703. The Court provides rules for practitioners concerning their discovery obligations. Connect with The Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School by visiting our website at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/...

In this episode, we discuss CAAF's decision in United States v. Brown. Specifically, we examine CAAF's view of Part IV of the Manual for Courts-Marital and what constitutes "presence" for disrespect of a noncommissioned officer. Connect with The Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School on Facebook (tjaglcs), LinkedIn (tjaglcs), or visit our website for more resources at https://tjaglcs.arm...

In this episode, we examine CAAF’s latest case concerning unlawful command influence. Specifically, we examine the difference between actual and apparent unlawful command influence, and the influence that judge advocates can have on the system. Connect with The Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School on Facebook (tjaglcs), LinkedIn (tjaglcs), or visit our website for more resources at htt...

In this episode, we examine CAAF’s analysis concerning when an accused makes a prima facie (pronounced pree-muh fah-shuh according to the majority of the criminal law department) showing that race played a role in the panel selection process at their court martial, whether that panel was properly constituted. The Court weighed their previous precedent which allowed a race conscious selection proce...

In this episode we examine CAAF's analysis concerning how and when a statement qualifies under the excited utterance exception to the hearsay rules and whether appellant's conviction is legally sufficient. Connect with The Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School on Facebook (tjaglcs), LinkedIn (tjaglcs), or visit our website for more resources at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/leapp You can als...