Uniform Code of Military Justice

A general order or regulation is lawful unless it is contrary to the Constitution, the laws of the United States, or lawful superior orders or for some other reason is beyond the authority of the official issuing it.

The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) is the foundation of the system of military justice of the armed forces of the United States. It was established by the United States Congress in accordance with their constitutional authority on 5 May 1950, and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman the next day. It took effect on May 31, 1951. The word uniform in the Code's title refers to its consistent application to all the armed services in place of the earlier Articles of War, Articles for the Government of the United States Navy, and Disciplinary Laws of the individual services.

Quotes

• Lawfulness. A general order or regulation is lawful unless it is contrary to the Constitution, the laws of the United States, or lawful superior orders or for some other reason is beyond the authority of the official issuing it.
  • Article 92 — Failure to obey order or regulation

External links

• Uniform Code of Military Justice (HTML)
• Uniform Code of Military Justice (PDF)
• Uniform Code of Military Justice, at the Legal Information Institute