military jury

A United States military "jury" serves a function similar to an American civilian jury, but with several notable differences. Only a general court-martial or special court-martial includes members. There are no members in a trial by summary court-martial. If the defendant at a general or special court-martial chooses to be tried by members rather than by a military judge alone, the members are responsible for rendering the verdict, while the judge renders the sentence in a non-capital case. In capital cases they also render the sentence or may refer the decision to the judge for a lower sentence. The charges are brought forward by an officer called a "convening authority", who also selects the members who try the accused. The charges are prosecuted by judge advocates called "trial counsel". Defendants facing general or special courts-martial are represented free of charge from judge advocates acting as defense counsel. Defendants may also be represented at general or special courts-martial by civilian attorneys hired at their own expense. While not required by Congressional law, service policy provides that, at summary courts-martial, many military accused receive representation from a judge advocate defense counsel free of charge.