Chapter 398 — Military
Justice
2011 EDITION
MILITARY JUSTICE
MILITARY AFFAIRS; EMERGENCY SERVICES
GENERAL PROVISIONS
398.002 Definitions
for this chapter and ORS 396.120, 396.145, 399.205 and 399.515
398.004 Persons
subject to this chapter
398.006 Jurisdiction
to try certain personnel
398.008 Dismissal
of commissioned officer
398.010 Territorial
applicability of this chapter
398.012 Judge
advocates; legal assistants
398.014 Presentment
of Class A felony charges to civilian authority
APPREHENSION AND RESTRAINT
398.052 “Apprehension”
defined; quelling of disorders
398.054 Apprehension
of deserters
398.056 Imposition
of restraint; “arrest” and “confinement” defined
398.058 Restraint
of priority prisoners; notice of charges; speedy disposition; conditional
release
398.060 Place
of confinement
398.062 Receiving
prisoners; report to commanding officer
398.065 Punishment
prohibited before trial
398.066 Delivery
of offenders to civil authorities; redelivery to military authority
398.068 Confinement
pending trial for failure to appear
NONJUDICIAL PUNISHMENT
398.083 Imposition
and enforcement of disciplinary punishment without court-martial
COURTS-MARTIAL JURISDICTION
398.102 Courts-martial
of organized militia not in federal service; composition
398.104 Jurisdiction
of courts-martial of each component
398.106 Jurisdiction
of general courts-martial
398.108 Jurisdiction
of special courts-martial
398.110 Jurisdiction
of summary courts-martial
398.112 Sentences
to be approved by Governor or Adjutant General
398.114 When
complete record of proceedings and testimony required
398.116 Authorized
sentence of general or special court-martial after declaration of war prior to
jurisdiction of Uniform Code of Military Justice
398.118 Commutations
and pardons granted by Governor; remittance of forfeitures and fines
398.120 Application
for commutation or pardon
APPOINTMENT AND COMPOSITION OF
COURTS-MARTIAL
398.126 Convening
general courts-martial
398.128 Convening
special courts-martial
398.130 Convening
summary courts-martial
398.132 Who
may serve on courts-martial
398.135 Detail
of military judge
398.136 Detail
of trial counsel and defense counsel
398.138 Detail
or employment of reporters and interpreters
398.140 Absent
and additional members; effect of absences on trial
PRETRIAL PROCEDURE
398.162 Charges
and specifications
398.164 Compulsory
self-incrimination and immaterial and degrading evidence prohibited
398.166 Investigation
398.168 Forwarding
of charges
398.170 Advice
of State Judge Advocate; reference for trial; formal corrections
398.172 Service
of charges
TRIAL PROCEDURE
398.202 Procedural
regulations
398.204 Unlawfully
influencing action of court
398.206 Duties
of trial counsel and defense counsel
398.209 Court
sessions
398.210 Continuances
398.212 Challenges
398.214 Oaths
398.216 Statute
of limitation
398.218 Former
jeopardy
398.220 Pleas
of accused
398.222 Opportunity
to obtain witnesses and evidence
398.224 Refusal
to appear or testify
398.226 Contempt
398.228 Depositions
398.230 Admissibility
of records of courts of inquiry
398.232 Voting
and rulings
398.234 Number
of votes required
398.236 Court
to announce action
398.238 Record
of trial
SENTENCES
398.252 Cruel
and unusual punishments prohibited
398.254 Punishments
limited
398.256 Effective
date of sentence
398.258 Execution
of confinement
REVIEW OF COURTS-MARTIAL
398.272 Approval
and execution or suspension of sentence
398.274 Initial
review and action on trial record
398.276 Reconsideration
and revision of court’s ruling
398.278 Rehearings
398.280 Approval
by convening authority
398.282 Review
of records; disposition
398.284 Error
of law; lesser included offense
398.286 Review
counsel
398.288 Vacation
of suspension
398.290 Petition
for new trial
398.292 Remission
and suspension
398.294 Restoration
398.296 Finality
of proceedings, findings and sentences
PUNITIVE PROVISIONS
398.302 When
persons may be tried or punished
398.304 Principals
398.306 Accessory
after fact
398.308 Conviction
of lesser included offense
398.310 Attempts
398.312 Conspiracy
398.314 Solicitation
398.316 Fraudulent
enlistment, appointment or separation
398.318 Unlawful
enlistment, appointment or separation
398.320 Desertion
398.322 Absence
without leave
398.324 Failure
to make required move
398.326 Contempt
toward officials
398.328 Disrespect
toward superior commissioned officer
398.330 Assaulting
or willfully disobeying superior commissioned officer
398.332 Insubordinate
conduct toward warrant officer or noncommissioned officer
398.334 Failure
to obey order or regulation
398.336 Cruelty
and maltreatment
398.338 Mutiny
or sedition
398.340 Resistance,
breach of arrest and escape
398.342 Releasing
prisoner without proper authority
398.344 Unlawful
detention
398.346 Noncompliance
with procedural rules
398.348 Misbehavior
before enemy
398.350 Subordinate
compelling surrender
398.352 Improper
use of countersign
398.354 Forcing
safeguard
398.356 Captured
or abandoned property
398.358 Aiding
enemy
398.360 Misconduct
as prisoner
398.362 False
official statements
398.366 Loss,
damage, destruction or wrongful disposition of military property
398.368 Waste,
spoilage or destruction of property other than military
398.370 Improper
hazarding of vessel
398.372 Driving
while drunk
398.374 Drunk
on duty
398.375 Sentinel
or lookout drunk or sleeping on post; leaving before relief
398.378 Malingering
398.380 Riot
or breach of peace
398.384 Stealing
goods
398.386 Perjury
398.388 Frauds
against government
398.391 Controlled
substances
398.393 Dueling;
failure to report dueling
398.394 Provoking
or reproachful words or gestures
398.395 Insufficient
funds or credit
398.397 Unlawful
force or violence
398.399 Conduct
unbecoming officer
398.400 Conduct
to prejudice of good order and discipline; limits to jurisdiction of
courts-martial
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
398.402 Courts
of inquiry
398.404 Redress
of injuries to property
398.406 Execution
of process and sentence
398.408 Process
of military courts
398.410 Payment
of fines and disposition thereof
398.412 Immunity
for action of military courts
398.414 Presumption
of jurisdiction
398.416 Delegation
of authority by Governor
398.418 Payment
of expenses
398.420 Armed
Forces Court of Appeals for Oregon
GENERAL PROVISIONS
398.002 Definitions for this chapter and
ORS 396.120, 396.145, 399.205 and 399.515. As
used in this chapter and ORS 396.120, 396.145, 399.205 and 399.515, unless the
context requires otherwise:
(1)
“Accuser” means a person who signs and swears to charges, any person who
directs that charges nominally be signed and sworn to by another, or any other
person who has an interest other than an official interest in the prosecution
of the accused.
(2)
“Active state duty” means full-time duty in the active military service of the
state under an order of the Governor issued under authority vested in the
Governor by law, and includes travel to and from such duty. The term “active
state duty” also includes all Oregon National Guard personnel serving on active
duty under Title 32 U.S.C. 502(f).
(3)
“Commanding officer” includes only commissioned officers in positions of
command.
(4)
“Commissioned officer” includes a commissioned warrant officer.
(5)
“Component” includes the Army National Guard, the Air National Guard and the
Oregon State Defense Force.
(6)
“Confining authority” means the Governor, a military court or a convening
authority or commanding officer designated by the Adjutant General.
(7)
“Convening authority” means a person authorized under this chapter to convene a
court-martial.
(8)
“Duty status other than active state duty” means any drill periods and such
other training or service, other than active state duty, as may be required
under state or federal laws, regulations or orders, and travel to and from such
duty.
(9)
“Enlisted member” means a person in an enlisted grade.
(10)
“Grade” means a step or degree, in a graduated scale of office or military
rank, that is established and designated as a grade by law or regulation.
(11)
“Judge advocate” means the State Judge Advocate or an Assistant State Judge
Advocate.
(12)
“Military” refers to any or all of the armed forces.
(13)
“Military court” means a court-martial, a court of inquiry or a provost court.
(14)
“Military judge” means an official of a general or special court-martial
detailed in accordance with ORS 398.135.
(15)
“Officer” means commissioned or warrant officer.
(16)
“Organized militia” means the organized militia described in ORS 396.105.
(17)
“Rank” means the order of precedence among members of the armed forces.
(18)
“Record,” when used in connection with the proceedings of a court-martial,
means:
(a)
An official written transcript, written summary or other writing relating to
the proceedings; or
(b)
An official audiotape, videotape or similar material from which sound or sound
and visual images depicting the proceedings may be reproduced.
(19)
“State Judge Advocate” means the commissioned officer responsible for
supervising the administration of military justice and general military legal
matters in the organized militia.
(20)
“Superior commissioned officer” means a commissioned officer superior in rank
or command.
(21)
“Uniform Code of Military Justice” means chapter 47 (commencing with section
801) of Title 10 of the United States Code and regulations adopted thereunder,
together with the Manual for Courts-Martial, United States, 1984 (Executive
Order 12473 of July 13, 1984, as amended). [1961 c.454 §78; 1975 c.719 §1; 1985
c.682 §14; 1989 c.361 §5; 2005 c.512 §5]
398.004 Persons subject to this chapter.
The following persons who are not in federal service are subject to this
chapter:
(1)
Members of the organized militia.
(2)
All other persons lawfully ordered to duty in or with the organized militia,
from the dates they are required by the terms of the order or other directive
to obey the same. [1961 c.454 §79]
398.006 Jurisdiction to try certain
personnel. (1) Each person discharged from the
organized militia who is later charged with having fraudulently obtained the
discharge of the person is, subject to ORS 398.216, subject to trial by
court-martial on that charge and is after apprehension subject to this chapter
while in the custody of the military for that trial. Upon conviction of that charge
the person is subject to trial by court-martial for all offenses under this
chapter committed before the fraudulent discharge.
(2)
No person who has deserted from the organized militia may be relieved from
amenability to the jurisdiction of this chapter by virtue of a separation from
any later period of service. [1961 c.454 §80]
398.008 Dismissal of commissioned officer.
(1) If any commissioned officer dismissed by order of the Governor makes a
written application for trial by court-martial, setting forth under oath that
the officer has been wrongfully dismissed, the Governor or the Adjutant
General, as soon as practicable shall convene a general court-martial to try
that officer on the charges on which the officer was dismissed. A court-martial
so convened has jurisdiction to try the dismissed officer on those charges, and
the officer shall be considered to have waived the right to plead any statute
of limitations applicable to any offense with which the officer is charged. The
court-martial may, as part of its sentence, adjudge the affirmance of the
dismissal; but if the court-martial acquits the accused or if the sentence
adjudged, as finally approved or affirmed, does not include dismissal, the
Adjutant General shall substitute for the dismissal ordered by the Governor a
form of discharge authorized for administrative issue.
(2)
If the Governor or the Adjutant General fails to convene a general
court-martial within six months from the presentation of an application for
trial under this chapter, the Adjutant General shall substitute for the
dismissal ordered by the Governor a form of discharge authorized for
administrative issue.
(3)
If a discharge is substituted for a dismissal under this chapter, the Governor
alone may reappoint the officer to such commissioned grade and with such rank
as, in the opinion of the Governor, that former officer would have attained had
the officer not been dismissed. The reappointment of such a former officer may
be made only if a vacancy is available under applicable tables of organization.
All time between the dismissal and the reappointment shall be considered as
actual service for all purposes.
(4)
If an officer is discharged from the organized militia by administrative action
or by board proceedings under law, or is dropped from the rolls by order of the
Governor, the officer has no right to trial under this section. [1961 c.454 §81;
1975 c.719 §2; 2005 c.512 §6]
398.010 Territorial applicability of this
chapter. (1) This chapter applies throughout the
state. It also applies to all persons otherwise subject to this chapter while
they are serving outside the state, and while they are going to and returning
from such service outside the state, in the same manner and to the same extent
as if they were serving inside the state.
(2)
Courts-martial and courts of inquiry may be convened and held in units of the
organized militia while those units are serving outside the state with the same
jurisdiction and powers as to persons subject to this chapter as if the
proceedings were held inside the state; and offenses committed outside the
state may be tried and punished either inside or outside the state. [1961 c.454
§82]
398.012 Judge advocates; legal assistants.
(1) The Governor, on the recommendation of the Adjutant General, shall appoint
an officer of the organized militia as State Judge Advocate. To be eligible for
appointment as State Judge Advocate, an officer must:
(a)
Be a member in good standing of the Oregon State Bar;
(b)
Have been a member of the Oregon State Bar for at least five years; and
(c)
Meet the qualifications for a judge advocate under the Uniform Code of Military
Justice.
(2)
The Adjutant General may appoint an officer of the organized militia as an
Assistant State Judge Advocate. The Adjutant General may appoint as many
Assistant State Judge Advocates as the Adjutant General deems necessary. To be
eligible for appointment as an Assistant State Judge Advocate, an officer must:
(a)
Be a member in good standing of the Oregon State Bar; and
(b)
Meet the qualifications for a judge advocate under the Uniform Code of Military
Justice.
(3)(a)
The Adjutant General may appoint temporary Assistant State Judge Advocates who
are officers of the organized militia. An individual appointed as a temporary
Assistant State Judge Advocate has 12 months from the date of appointment to
become a member in good standing of the Oregon State Bar and meet the
qualifications for a judge advocate under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
(b)
The legal services performed by a temporary Assistant State Judge Advocate are
limited to those legal services that may be performed by legal assistants
consistent with ORS 9.160.
(c)
A temporary Assistant State Judge Advocate who has met the requirements under
this subsection is eligible for appointment as an Assistant State Judge
Advocate.
(d)
The Adjutant General may extend, for an additional 12 months, the time during
which a temporary Assistant State Judge Advocate must meet the qualifications
described in paragraph (a) of this subsection.
(4)
The Adjutant General may appoint State Judge Advocate Legal Assistants for a
period not to exceed 12 months. An individual appointed as a State Judge
Advocate Legal Assistant shall be an officer of the Oregon State Defense Force
and shall be legally trained but is not required to be admitted to the practice
of law by the Supreme Court of this state. The legal services performed by a
State Judge Advocate Legal Assistant are limited to those legal services that
may be performed by legal assistants consistent with ORS 9.160.
(5)
The State Judge Advocate, the Senior Force Judge Advocate, as defined in the
Oregon Code of Military Justice (2008), or their assistants shall make frequent
inspections in the field for supervision of the administration of military
justice and general military legal matters.
(6)(a)
Convening authorities shall at all times communicate directly with their judge
advocate in matters relating to the administration of military justice and
general military legal matters.
(b)
The judge advocate of any command may communicate directly with the judge
advocate of a superior or subordinate command, or with the State Judge Advocate
or the Senior Force Judge Advocate, as defined in the Oregon Code of Military
Justice (2008).
(7)
A person who has acted as member, military judge, trial counsel, assistant
trial counsel, defense counsel, assistant defense counsel or investigating
officer, or who has been a witness for either the prosecution or defense in any
case, may not later act as judge advocate to any reviewing authority upon the
same case.
(8)
A judicial officer, as defined by ORS 1.210, is not prohibited, by reason of
holding that office, from:
(a)
Performing all acts necessary or incumbent to the authorized exercise of duties
as a judge advocate or as a member of the Military Council.
(b)
Being assigned as a judge advocate by the Adjutant General as appointed by the
Governor as Commander in Chief under the Oregon Constitution. [1961 c.454 §83;
1975 c.719 §3; 1993 c.483 §1; 2005 c.512 §7; 2009 c.345 §1]
398.014 Presentment of Class A felony charges
to civilian authority. (1) A charge against a person
subject to this chapter for an offense that is classified as a Class A felony
under the Oregon Criminal Code shall first be presented by the convening
authority to a prosecuting civilian authority with jurisdiction over the
offense for possible prosecution.
(2)
If the prosecuting civilian authority declines to prosecute or fails to respond
within 90 days from presentation of the charge, the charge may then be
prosecuted as provided in this chapter. [2005 c.512 §33]
APPREHENSION AND RESTRAINT
398.052 “Apprehension” defined; quelling
of disorders. (1) Apprehension is the taking of a
person into custody.
(2)
Any person authorized by this chapter and ORS chapters 396 and 399, or by
military department regulations issued pursuant thereto, to apprehend persons
subject to this chapter, any marshal of a court-martial appointed pursuant to
the provisions of this chapter and any peace officer authorized to do so by law
may do so upon reasonable belief that an offense has been committed and that
the person apprehended committed it.
(3)
Commissioned officers, warrant officers and noncommissioned officers have
authority to quell quarrels, frays and disorders among persons subject to this
chapter and to apprehend persons subject to this chapter who take part therein.
[1961 c.454 §84]
398.054 Apprehension of deserters.
Any civil officer having authority to apprehend offenders under the laws of the
United States or of a state, territory, commonwealth or possession, or the
District of Columbia, may summarily apprehend a deserter from the organized
militia and deliver the deserter into the custody of the organized militia. If
an offender is apprehended outside the state, the return of the offender to the
area must be in accordance with normal extradition procedures or reciprocal
agreement. [1961 c.454 §85]
398.056 Imposition of restraint; “arrest”
and “confinement” defined. (1) Arrest is the restraint of a
person by an order, not imposed as a punishment for an offense, directing the
person to remain within certain specified limits. Confinement is the physical
restraint of a person.
(2)
An enlisted member may be ordered into arrest or confinement by any
commissioned officer by an oral or written order, delivered in person or
through other persons subject to this chapter or through any person authorized
by this chapter to apprehend persons. A commanding officer may authorize
warrant officers or noncommissioned officers to order enlisted members of the
command of the officer or subject to the authority of the officer into arrest
or confinement.
(3)
A commissioned officer or warrant officer may be ordered apprehended or into
arrest or confinement only by a commanding officer to whose authority the
officer is subject, by an order, oral or written, delivered in person or by
another commissioned officer. The authority to order such persons apprehended
or into arrest or confinement may not be delegated.
(4)
No person may be ordered apprehended or into arrest or confinement except for
probable cause.
(5)
Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the authority of persons
authorized to apprehend offenders to secure the custody of an alleged offender
until proper authority may be notified. [1961 c.454 §86]
398.058 Restraint of priority prisoners;
notice of charges; speedy disposition; conditional release.
(1)(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this subsection, any person
subject to this chapter charged with an offense under this chapter may be
ordered, as a priority prisoner, into arrest or confinement, as circumstances
may require.
(b)
A person subject to this chapter charged only with a minor offense normally
tried by a summary court-martial or subject to punishment under ORS 398.083 may
not ordinarily be placed in confinement.
(c)
The offense described under ORS 398.322 is not a minor offense for the purposes
of this subsection.
(2)
When any person subject to this chapter is placed in arrest or confinement
prior to trial, immediate steps shall be taken to inform the person of the
specific wrong of which the person is accused and to try the person or to
dismiss the charges and release the person.
(3)
When a person subject to this chapter is placed in confinement prior to summary
court-martial or disposition under ORS 398.083, the person shall be
conditionally released pending disposition of the charges.
(4)
A person described in subsection (3) of this section may be reconfined if the
person violates the conditional release. The person violates the conditional
release if the person fails to attend drill periods, periods of active duty
training, annual training, other periods determined by the confining authority
or hearings related to the pending charges or other conditions imposed by the
confining authority.
(5)
As used in this section, “priority prisoner” means a person subject to this
chapter who:
(a)
Has been ordered into confinement by a confining authority;
(b)
Is received by a keeper, officer, warden or other person in charge of the
county jail, penitentiary, prison or other facility in which the person has
been ordered confined; and
(c)
May be released only upon order of the confining authority. [1961 c.454 §87;
1975 c.719 §4; 2005 c.512 §8]
398.060 Place of confinement.
(1) Confinement other than in an authorized military confinement facility,
whether before, during or after trial by a military court, shall be executed in
county jails, penitentiaries or prisons designated by the Governor or by such
persons as the Governor may authorize to act.
(2)
If no designation is made under subsection (1) of this section, the person
shall be confined in a county jail.
(3)
Confinement under this section shall be without requirement of payment of any
fee or charge for confining the person. [1961 c.454 §88; 2005 c.512 §9]
398.062 Receiving prisoners; report to
commanding officer. (1) A warden, keeper or officer
of a county jail, penitentiary or prison designated under ORS 398.060, may not
refuse to receive or keep any prisoner committed to the charge of the person,
when the committing person furnishes a statement, signed by the committing
person, of the offense charged against the prisoner.
(2)
Every warden, keeper or officer of a county jail, penitentiary or prison
designated under ORS 398.060, to whose charge a prisoner is committed shall,
within 24 hours after that commitment, report to the commanding officer of the
prisoner the name of the prisoner, the offense charged against the prisoner, and
the name of the person who ordered or authorized the commitment. [1961 c.454 §89;
2005 c.512 §36]
398.064 [1961
c.454 §90; repealed by 1985 c.682 §53]
398.065 Punishment prohibited before
trial. A person, while being held for trial,
may not be subjected to punishment or penalty other than arrest or confinement
upon the charges pending against the person, nor shall the arrest or
confinement imposed be any more rigorous than the circumstances required to
insure the person’s presence, but the person may be subjected to minor
punishment during that period for infractions of discipline. [1985 c.682 §2]
398.066 Delivery of offenders to civil
authorities; redelivery to military authority.
(1) Under such military department regulations as may be prescribed under this
chapter and ORS chapters 396 and 399, a person on active state duty subject to
this chapter who is accused of an offense against civil authority may be
delivered, upon request, to the civil authority for trial.
(2)
When delivery under this section is made to any civil authority of a person
undergoing sentence of a court-martial, the delivery, if followed by conviction
in a civil tribunal, interrupts the execution of the sentence of the
court-martial, and the offender after having answered to the civil authorities
for the offense shall, upon the request of competent military authority, be
returned to military custody for the completion of the sentence of the
offender. [1961 c.454 §91]
398.068 Confinement pending trial for
failure to appear. When an accused person shall
have been arrested for failure to appear before a court-martial for trial, the
military judge, the president of a court-martial or a summary court officer to
whom the charges have been referred for trial may issue a commitment for confinement
of such person pending trial, subject to the prior approval of the State Judge
Advocate. No person shall be kept in confinement pending trial longer than
seven days. [1985 c.682 §11]
398.082 [1961
c.454 §92; repealed by 1975 c.719 §5 (398.083 enacted in lieu of 398.082)]
NONJUDICIAL PUNISHMENT
398.083 Imposition and enforcement of
disciplinary punishment without court-martial.
(1) Under such regulations as may be prescribed by the Governor or the Adjutant
General, limitations may be placed on the powers granted by this section with
respect to the kind and amount of punishment authorized, the categories of
commanding officers and warrant officers exercising command authorized to
exercise those powers, the applicability of this section to an accused who
demands trial by court-martial, and the kinds of courts-martial to which the
case may be referred upon such a demand. However, punishment may not be imposed
upon any member of the organized militia under this section if the member has,
before the imposition of such punishment demanded trial by court-martial in
lieu of such punishment. Regulations may be prescribed by the Governor or the
Adjutant General with respect to the suspension of punishments authorized under
this section. If authorized by regulations prescribed by the Governor or the
Adjutant General, the Governor, the Adjutant General or an officer of a general
rank in command may delegate powers under this section to a principal assistant
who is a member of the organized militia.
(2)
Subject to subsection (1) of this section, any commanding officer may, in
addition to or in lieu of admonition or reprimand, impose one or more of the
following disciplinary punishments for minor offenses without the intervention
of a court-martial:
(a)
Upon officers of the command:
(A)
Restriction to certain specified limits, with or without suspension from duty,
for not more than 30 consecutive duty or drill days, the punishment to be
completed within 90 days of the date punishment was imposed.
(B)
If imposed by the Governor, the Adjutant General or an officer of a general
rank in command:
(i)
Arrest in quarters for not more than 30 consecutive duty or drill days, the
punishment to be completed within 90 days of the date punishment was imposed.
(ii)
Forfeiture of not more than one-half of one month’s active duty base pay for
two months.
(iii)
Restriction to certain specified limits, with or without suspension from duty,
for not more than 60 consecutive duty or drill days, the punishment to be
completed within 90 days of the date punishment was imposed.
(iv)
Detention of not more than one-half of one month’s active duty base pay for
three months.
(b)
Upon other military personnel of the command:
(A)
Forfeiture of not more than seven days’ active duty base pay;
(B)
Reduction to the next inferior pay grade, if the grade from which demoted is
within the promotion authority of the officer imposing the reduction or any
officer subordinate to the one who imposes the reduction;
(C)
Extra duties, including fatigue or other duties, not to exceed two hours per
day, including holidays, for not more than 14 consecutive duty or drill days,
the punishment to be completed within 90 days of the date punishment was
imposed;
(D)
Restriction to certain specified limits, with or without suspension from duty,
for not more than 14 consecutive duty or drill days, the punishment to be
completed within 90 days of the date punishment was imposed;
(E)
Correctional custody for not more than seven consecutive duty or drill days,
the punishment to be completed within 90 days of the date punishment was
imposed;
(F)
Detention of not more than 14 days’ active duty base pay; or
(G)
If imposed by an officer of the grade of major or above:
(i)
Forfeiture of not more than one-half of one month’s active duty base pay for
two months;
(ii)
Reduction to the lowest or any intermediate pay grade, if the grade from which
demoted is within the promotion authority of the officer imposing the reduction
or any officer subordinate to the one who imposes the reduction, but an
enlisted member in a pay grade above E-4 may not be reduced more than two pay
grades;
(iii)
Extra duties, including fatigue or other duties, not to exceed two hours per
day, including holidays, for not more than 45 consecutive duty or drill days,
the punishment to be completed within 90 days of the date punishment was
imposed;
(iv)
Restriction to certain specified limits, with or without suspension from duty,
for not more than 60 consecutive duty or drill days, the punishment to be
completed within 90 days of the date punishment was imposed;
(v)
Correctional custody for not more than seven consecutive duty or drill days,
the punishment to be completed within 90 days of the date punishment was
imposed; or
(vi)
Detention of not more than one-half of one month’s active duty base pay for
three months.
(3)
No two or more of the punishments of arrest in quarters, extra duties, and
restriction may be combined to run consecutively in excess of the maximum
amount that may be imposed for each. When any of those punishments are combined
to run consecutively, there must be an apportionment.
(4)
An officer in charge may impose upon enlisted members assigned to the unit of
which the officer is in charge such of the punishments authorized under subsection
(2)(b)(A), (B), (C), (D), (E) and (F) of this section as the Governor may
specifically prescribe by regulation.
(5)
The officer who imposes the punishments authorized under subsection (2) of this
section, or a successor in command, may, at any time, suspend probationally a
reduction in grade or a forfeiture imposed under subsection (2) of this
section, whether or not executed. In addition, such officer may, at any time,
remit or mitigate any part or amount of the unexecuted punishment and may set
aside in whole or in part the punishment, whether executed or unexecuted, and
restore all rights, privileges and property affected. The officer may also
mitigate reduction in grade to forfeiture of active duty base pay. When
mitigating an arrest in quarters to restriction or extra duties to restriction,
the mitigated punishment shall not be for a greater period than the punishment
mitigated. When mitigating reduction in grade to forfeiture of active duty base
pay, the amount of the forfeiture shall not be greater than the amount that
could have been imposed initially under this section by the officer who imposed
the punishment mitigated.
(6)
A person punished under this section who considers the punishment unjust or
disproportionate to the offense may, through the proper channel, appeal to the
next superior authority. The appeal shall be promptly forwarded and decided,
but the person punished may in the meantime be required to undergo the
punishment adjudged. The superior authority may exercise the same powers with
respect to the punishment imposed as may be exercised under subsection (5) of
this section by the officer who imposed the punishment. Before acting on an
appeal from any of the following punishments, the authority who is to act on
the appeal shall refer the case to a staff judge advocate or legal officer for
consideration and advice:
(a)
Arrest in quarters for more than seven days;
(b)
Correctional custody for more than seven consecutive duty or drill days;
(c)
Forfeiture of more than seven days’ active duty base pay;
(d)
Reduction of one or more pay grades from the fourth or a higher pay grade;
(e)
Extra duties for more than 14 consecutive drill or duty days;
(f)
Restriction for more than 14 consecutive drill or duty days; or
(g)
Detention of more than 14 days’ active duty base pay.
(7)
Except as provided in subsection (6) of this section, before acting on an
appeal from any punishment imposed under subsection (2) of this section, the
authority who is to act on the appeal may refer the case to a staff judge
advocate or legal officer for consideration and advice.
(8)
The imposition and enforcement of disciplinary punishment under this section
for any act or omission is not a bar to trial by court-martial or other legal
proceeding for a serious crime or offense growing out of the same act or
omission, and not properly punishable under this section; but the fact that a
disciplinary punishment has been enforced may be shown by the accused upon
trial, and when so shown shall be considered in determining the measure of
punishment to be adjudged in the event of a finding of guilty.
(9)
Whenever a punishment of forfeiture of pay is imposed under this section, the
forfeiture may apply to pay accruing on or after the date that punishment is
imposed and to any pay accrued before that date.
(10)
The Governor or the Adjutant General may, by regulation, prescribe the form of
records to be kept of proceedings under this section and may also prescribe
that certain categories of those proceedings shall be in writing. [1975 c.719 §6
(enacted in lieu of 398.082); 1985 c.682 §15; 2005 c.512 §10]
COURTS-MARTIAL JURISDICTION
398.102 Courts-martial of organized
militia not in federal service; composition. (1) In
the organized militia not in federal service, there are general, special and
summary courts-martial constituted like similar courts of the army and air
force. They have the jurisdiction and powers, except as to punishments, and
shall follow the forms and procedures provided for those courts as far as applicable,
except as otherwise provided in this chapter.
(2)
The three kinds of courts-martial shall be constituted as follows:
(a)
General courts-martial, consisting of:
(A)
A military judge and not less than five members; or
(B)
Only a military judge, if before the court is assembled, the accused, knowing
the identity of the military judge, and after consultation with defense
counsel, requests orally on the record or in writing a court composed only of a
military judge and the military judge approves.
(b)
Special courts-martial, consisting of:
(A)
Not less than three members; or
(B)
A military judge and not less than three members; or
(C)
Only a military judge, if one has been detailed to the court, and the accused
under the same conditions prescribed in paragraph (a)(B) of this subsection so
requests.
(c)
Summary courts-martial, consisting of one commissioned officer. [1961 c.454 §93;
1975 c.719 §7; 1985 c.682 §16]
398.104 Jurisdiction of courts-martial of
each component. Each component of the organized
militia has court-martial jurisdiction over all persons subject to this
chapter. The exercise of jurisdiction by one component over personnel of
another component shall be in accordance with military department regulations
prescribed by the Governor under ORS 396.125 or by the Adjutant General under
ORS 396.160. [1961 c.454 §94; 1975 c.719 §8; 2005 c.512 §11]
398.106 Jurisdiction of general
courts-martial. Subject to ORS 398.104, general
courts-martial have jurisdiction to try persons subject to this chapter for any
offense made punishable by this chapter and may, under such limitations as the
Governor or the Adjutant General may prescribe, impose any of the following
punishments:
(1)
A fine of not more than $500 for each offense or forfeiture of up to two-thirds
of one month’s active duty base pay and allowances for up to three months,
whichever is greater;
(2)
Forfeiture of pay and allowances during any period of confinement;
(3)
Dishonorable discharge, bad-conduct discharge or dismissal;
(4)
Reprimand;
(5)
Reduction of an enlisted member to the lowest or any intermediate enlisted
grade;
(6)
Confinement for not more than 365 days for each offense; or
(7)
Any combination of these punishments. [1961 c.454 §95; 1975 c.719 §9; 1985
c.682 §17; 1999 c.157 §1; 2005 c.512 §12]
398.108 Jurisdiction of special
courts-martial. (1) Subject to ORS 398.104,
special courts-martial have jurisdiction to try persons other than officers for
any offense made punishable by this chapter.
(2)
A special court-martial may, under such limitations as the Governor or the
Adjutant General may prescribe, impose any of the following punishments:
(a)
A fine of not more than $250 for each offense or forfeiture of up to one-half
of one month’s active duty base pay and allowances for up to three months,
whichever is greater;
(b)
Forfeiture of pay and allowances during any period of confinement;
(c)
Bad-conduct discharge;
(d)
Reprimand;
(e)
Reduction of an enlisted member to the lowest or any intermediate enlisted
grade;
(f)
Confinement for not more than 365 days for each offense; or
(g)
Any combination of these punishments. [1961 c.454 §96; 1975 c.719 §10; 1985
c.682 §18; 1999 c.157 §2; 2005 c.512 §13]
398.110 Jurisdiction of summary
courts-martial. (1) Subject to ORS 398.104,
summary courts-martial have jurisdiction to try persons other than officers for
any offense made punishable by this chapter.
(2)
A person with respect to whom summary courts-martial have jurisdiction may not
be brought to trial before a summary court-martial if the person objects. If
objection to trial by summary court-martial is made by an accused, trial may be
ordered by special or general court-martial, as may be appropriate.
(3)
A summary court-martial may impose the following punishments:
(a)
For an enlisted member in a pay grade of E-4 or lower, reduction to the lowest
or any intermediate pay grade and rank;
(b)
For a noncommissioned officer, reduction to the next lower pay grade and rank;
(c)
Forfeiture of pay and allowances during any period of confinement;
(d)
Forfeiture of up to two-thirds of one month’s active duty base pay;
(e)
A fine not exceeding $25 for each offense;
(f)
Confinement not exceeding 30 days; or
(g)
Any combination of these punishments. [1961 c.454 §97; 1975 c.719 §11; 1985
c.682 §19; 1999 c.157 §3; 2005 c.512 §14]
398.112 Sentences to be approved by Governor
or Adjutant General. In the organized militia not in
federal service:
(1)
A sentence of dismissal or dishonorable discharge may not be executed until the
sentence is approved by the Governor; and
(2)
A sentence of bad-conduct discharge may not be executed until the sentence is
approved by the Adjutant General. [1961 c.454 §98; 1999 c.157 §4; 2005 c.512 §15]
398.114 When complete record of
proceedings and testimony required. A
dishonorable discharge or dismissal shall not be adjudged by any court-martial
unless a complete record of the proceedings and testimony before the court has
been made. [1961 c.454 §99; 1985 c.682 §20]
398.116 Authorized sentence of general or
special court-martial after declaration of war prior to jurisdiction of Uniform
Code of Military Justice. A general or special
court-martial convened for the trial of a person charged with committing an
offense after the declaration of a war or national emergency and before the
time when the person is brought under the jurisdiction of the Uniform Code of
Military Justice, may, upon conviction, adjudge such punishment as may be
appropriate, except that it may not exceed that authorized for a similar
offense by the Uniform Code of Military Justice. [1961 c.454 §100; 2005 c.512 §37]
398.118 Commutations and pardons granted
by Governor; remittance of forfeitures and fines.
Upon the conditions and with the restrictions and limitations as the Governor
thinks proper, the Governor may grant commutations and pardons for all
punishments imposed under this chapter by a general court-martial or a special
court-martial and may remit all forfeitures and fines imposed under ORS 398.106
or 398.108. [2005 c.512 §17]
398.120 Application for commutation or
pardon. (1) When a person subject to this
chapter makes an application for commutation or pardon to the Governor, a copy
of the application, signed by the applicant and stating fully the grounds of
the application, shall be served by the applicant upon:
(a)
The convening authority; and
(b)
If the applicant is in confinement, the person in charge of the place of
confinement.
(2)
The applicant shall present to the Governor proof by affidavit of the service.
(3)
Upon receiving a copy of the application for commutation or pardon, the
convening authority shall provide to the Governor, as soon as practicable, the
information and records relating to the case as the Governor may request and
any other information and records relating to the case that the convening
authority considers relevant to the issue of commutation or pardon.
(4)
Following receipt by the Governor of an application for commutation or pardon,
the Governor may not grant the application for at least 30 days. Upon the
expiration of 180 days following receipt of an application, if the Governor has
not granted the commutation or pardon applied for, the application shall lapse.
Any further proceedings for commutation or pardon in the case shall be pursuant
only to further application and service. [2005 c.512 §18]
APPOINTMENT AND COMPOSITION OF
COURTS-MARTIAL
398.126 Convening general courts-martial.
In the organized militia not in federal service, general courts-martial may be
convened by the Governor or by the Adjutant General. [1961 c.454 §101; 2005
c.512 §19]
398.128 Convening special courts-martial.
In the organized militia not in federal service, the commanding officer of a
garrison, fort, post, camp, air base, auxiliary air base or other place where
troops are on duty, or of a brigade, regiment, wing, group, detached battalion,
separate squadron or other detached command, may convene special
courts-martial. Special courts-martial may also be convened by superior
authority. When any such officer is an accuser, the court shall be convened by
superior competent authority. [1961 c.454 §102]
398.130 Convening summary courts-martial.
(1) In the organized militia not in federal service, the commanding officer of
a garrison, fort, post, camp, air base, auxiliary air base or other place where
troops are on duty, or of a brigade, regiment, wing, group, detached battalion,
separate squadron or other detached command, may convene a summary
court-martial.
(2)
When only one commissioned officer is present with a command or detachment that
officer shall be the summary court-martial of that command or detachment and
shall hear and determine all summary court-martial cases. Summary
courts-martial may, however, be convened in any case by superior competent
authority when considered desirable by such authority. [1961 c.454 §103; 1985
c.682 §21]
398.132 Who may serve on courts-martial.
(1) Any commissioned officer of the organized militia is eligible to serve on
all courts-martial for the trial of any person who may lawfully be brought
before such courts for trial.
(2)
Any warrant officer of the organized militia is eligible to serve on general
and special courts-martial for the trial of any person, other than a
commissioned officer, who may lawfully be brought before such courts for trial.
(3)(a)
Any enlisted member of the organized militia who is not a member of the same
unit as the accused is eligible to serve on general and special courts-martial
for the trial of any enlisted member who may lawfully be brought before such
courts for trial, but shall serve as a member of a court only if, before the
conclusion of a session called by the military judge under ORS 398.209, prior
to trial or, in the absence of such a session, at least 30 days before the
court is assembled for the trial of the accused, the accused personally or
through counsel has requested in writing that enlisted members serve on it.
After such a request, the accused may not be tried by a general or special
court-martial the membership of which does not include enlisted members in a
number comprising at least one-third of the total membership of the court,
unless eligible enlisted members cannot be obtained on account of physical
conditions or military exigencies. If such members cannot be obtained, the court
may be convened and the trial held without them, but the convening authority
shall make a detailed written statement, to be appended to the record, stating
why they could not be obtained.
(b)
As used in this subsection, “unit” means any regularly organized body of the
organized militia not larger than a company, a squadron or a corresponding
body.
(4)(a)
When it can be avoided, no person subject to this chapter shall be tried by a
court-martial any member of which is junior to the person in rank or grade.
(b)
When convening a court-martial, the convening authority shall detail as members
thereof such members of the organized militia as, in the opinion of the
convening authority, are best qualified for the duty by reason of age,
education, training, experience, length of service, and judicial temperament.
No member of the organized militia is eligible to serve as a member of a
general or special court-martial when the member is the accuser or a witness
for the prosecution or has acted as investigating officer or as counsel in the
same case.
(5)
Before a court-martial is assembled for the trial of a case, the convening
authority may excuse a member of the court from participating in the case. The
convening authority may delegate any authority under this subsection to the
State Judge Advocate or designee. [1961 c.454 §104; 1975 c.719 §12; 1985 c.682 §22;
2003 c.14 §171; 2005 c.512 §20]
398.134 [1961
c.454 §105; repealed by 1975 c.719 §13 (398.135 enacted in lieu of 398.134)]
398.135 Detail of military judge.
(1) The authority convening a general court-martial or the State Judge Advocate
shall detail a military judge to the general court-martial. Subject to
regulations issued by the Governor or the Adjutant General, the authority
convening a special court-martial or the State Judge Advocate may detail a
military judge to the special court-martial. A military judge shall preside
over each open session of the court-martial to which the judge has been
detailed.
(2)
A military judge shall be a commissioned officer of the organized militia or of
any of the Armed Forces of the United States, be a member of the bar of the
highest court of a state or a member of the bar of a federal court and be
certified to be qualified for such duty by the State Judge Advocate.
(3)
The military judge of a general or special court-martial shall be designated by
the State Judge Advocate, or designee, for detail by the convening authority,
and, unless the court-martial was convened by the Governor or the Adjutant
General, neither the convening authority nor any member of the staff of the
convening authority shall prepare or review any report concerning the
effectiveness, fitness, or efficiency of the military judge so detailed, which
relates to performance of duty as a military judge.
(4)
A person is not eligible to act as a military judge in a case if the person is
the accuser or a witness for the prosecution or has acted as investigating
officer or as a counsel in the same case.
(5)
The military judge of a court-martial may not consult with the members of the
court except in the presence of the accused, trial counsel, and defense
counsel, nor may the military judge vote with members of the court. [1975 c.719
§14 (enacted in lieu of 398.134); 1985 c.682 §23; 1999 c.94 §1; 2005 c.512 §21]
398.136 Detail of trial counsel and
defense counsel. (1) For each general and special
court-martial the staff judge advocate for the unit, command or organization
shall detail trial counsel and such assistants as the staff judge advocate
considers appropriate. The State Judge Advocate shall detail defense counsel. A
person who has acted as investigating officer, military judge or court member
in any case may not act later as trial counsel, assistant trial counsel or,
unless expressly requested by the accused, as defense counsel or assistant
defense counsel in the same case. A person who has acted for the prosecution
may not act later in the same case for the defense, nor may any person who has
acted for the defense act later in the same case for the prosecution.
(2)
Trial counsel or defense counsel detailed for a general court-martial must be:
(a)
A judge advocate qualified under the Uniform Code of Military Justice; or
(b)
A person who is:
(A)
A member of the Oregon State Bar, or a member of the bar of a federal court or
an attorney allowed under ORS 9.241 to practice before a court of this state;
and
(B)
Certified as competent to perform such duties by the State Judge Advocate.
(3)
In the case of a special court-martial:
(a)
If the trial counsel is qualified to act as counsel before a general
court-martial, the defense counsel detailed by the State Judge Advocate must be
a person similarly qualified; and
(b)
If the trial counsel is a member of the Oregon State Bar, the defense counsel
detailed by the State Judge Advocate must have the same qualifications. [1961
c.454 §106; 1975 c.719 §15; 1985 c.682 §24; 1999 c.94 §2; 2005 c.512 §22]
398.138 Detail or employment of reporters
and interpreters. Under such regulations as the
Governor may prescribe:
(1)
Qualified court reporters shall be detailed or employed for each general or
special court-martial or court of inquiry to record the proceedings of and
testimony taken before that court.
(2)
Interpreters may be detailed or employed for each general or special
court-martial or court of inquiry to interpret for the court. [1961 c.454 §107;
1985 c.682 §25; 1999 c.94 §3]
398.140 Absent and additional members; effect
of absences on trial. (1) No member of a general or
special court-martial shall be absent or excused after the court has been
assembled for the trial of the accused except for physical disability or as a
result of a challenge or by order of the convening authority for good cause.
(2)
Whenever a general court-martial, other than a general court-martial composed
of a military judge only, is reduced below five members, the trial may not
proceed unless the convening authority details new members sufficient in number
to provide not less than five members. When the new members have been sworn,
the trial may proceed after the recorded testimony of each witness previously
examined has been read to the court in the presence of the military judge, the
accused, and counsel for both sides.
(3)
Whenever a special court-martial, other than a special court-martial composed
of a military judge only, is reduced below three members, the trial may not
proceed unless the convening authority details new members sufficient in number
to provide not less than three members. When the new members have been sworn,
the trial shall proceed as if no evidence has previously been introduced,
unless a verbatim record of the testimony of previously examined witnesses or a
stipulation thereof is read to the court in the presence of the military judge,
if any, the accused and counsel for both sides.
(4)
If the military judge of a court-martial composed of a military judge only is
unable to proceed with the trial because of physical disability, as a result of
a challenge or for other good cause, the trial shall proceed, subject to any
applicable conditions of ORS 398.102 after the detail of a new military judge
as if no evidence had previously been introduced unless a verbatim record of
the evidence previously introduced or a stipulation thereof is read in court in
the presence of the new military judge, the accused and counsel for both sides.
[1961 c.454 §108; 1975 c.719 §16]
PRETRIAL PROCEDURE
398.162 Charges and specifications.
(1) Charges and specifications shall be signed by a person subject to this
chapter under oath before a person authorized by ORS 396.120 to administer
oaths and shall state:
(a)
That the signer has personal knowledge of, or has investigated, the matters set
forth therein; and
(b)
That they are true in fact to the best of the signer’s knowledge and belief.
(2)
Upon the preferring of charges, the proper authority shall take immediate steps
to determine what disposition should be made thereof in the interest of justice
and discipline, and the person accused shall be informed of the charges as soon
as practicable. [1961 c.454 §109; 1985 c.682 §26]
398.164 Compulsory self-incrimination and
immaterial and degrading evidence prohibited. (1) No
person subject to this chapter may compel any person to incriminate self or to
answer any question the answer to which may tend to incriminate the person.
(2)
No person subject to this chapter may interrogate, or request any statement
from, an accused or a person suspected of an offense without first informing
the person of the nature of the accusation and advising the person that the
person does not have to make any statement regarding the offense of which the
person is accused or suspected and that any statement made by the person may be
used as evidence against the person in a trial by court-martial.
(3)
No person subject to this chapter may compel any person to make a statement or
produce evidence before any military tribunal if the statement or evidence is
not material to the issue and may tend to degrade the person.
(4)
No statement obtained from any person in violation of this section, or through
the use of coercion, unlawful influence or unlawful inducement may be received
in evidence against the person in a trial by court-martial. [1961 c.454 §110]
398.166 Investigation.
(1) No charge or specification may be referred to a general court-martial for
trial until a thorough and impartial investigation of all the matters set forth
therein has been made. This investigation shall include inquiry as to the truth
of the matter set forth in the charges, consideration of the form of charges,
and a recommendation as to the disposition which should be made of the case in
the interest of justice and discipline.
(2)
The accused shall be advised of the charges and of the right to be represented
at that investigation by counsel. Upon request the accused shall be represented
by civilian counsel if provided by the accused, or military counsel selected by
the accused if such counsel is reasonably available, or by counsel detailed by
the officer exercising general court-martial jurisdiction over the command. At
that investigation full opportunity shall be given to the accused to
cross-examine witnesses if they are available and to present anything in the
accused’s own behalf, either in defense or mitigation, and the investigating
officer shall examine available witnesses requested by the accused. If the
charges are forwarded after the investigation, they shall be accompanied by a
statement of the substance of the testimony taken on both sides and a copy
thereof shall be given to the accused.
(3)
If an investigation of the subject matter of an offense has been conducted
before the accused is charged with offense, and if the accused was present at
the investigation and afforded the opportunities for representation,
cross-examination, and presentation prescribed in subsection (2) of this
section, no further investigation of that charge is necessary under this
section unless it is demanded by the accused after being informed of the
charge. A demand for further investigation entitles the accused to recall
witnesses for further cross-examination and to offer any new evidence in behalf
of the accused.
(4)
The requirements of this section are binding on all persons administering this
chapter but failure to follow them does not divest a military court of
jurisdiction. [1961 c.454 §111; 1985 c.682 §27]
398.168 Forwarding of charges.
When a person is held for trial by general court-martial the commanding officer
shall, within eight days after the accused is ordered into arrest or confinement,
if practicable, forward the charges, together with the investigation and allied
papers, to the person exercising general court-martial jurisdiction. If that is
not practicable, the officer shall report in writing to that person the reasons
for delay. [1961 c.454 §112; 1975 c.719 §17]
398.170 Advice of State Judge Advocate;
reference for trial; formal corrections. (1) Before
directing the trial of any charge by general court-martial, the convening
authority shall refer it to the State Judge Advocate for consideration and
advice. The convening authority may not refer a specification under a charge to
a general court-martial for trial unless the convening authority has been
advised in writing by the State Judge Advocate that:
(a)
The specification alleges an offense under this chapter;
(b)
The specification is warranted by the evidence indicated in the report of
investigation, if any, under ORS 398.166; and
(c)
A court-martial has jurisdiction over the accused and the offense.
(2)
The advice of the State Judge Advocate under subsection (1) of this section
with respect to a specification under a charge shall include a written and
signed statement by the State Judge Advocate:
(a)
Expressing conclusions with respect to each matter set forth in subsection (1)
of this section; and
(b)
Recommending action that the convening authority take regarding the
specification.
(3)
If the specification is referred for trial, the recommendation of the State
Judge Advocate shall accompany the specification.
(4)
If the charges or specifications are not formally correct or do not conform to
the substance of the evidence contained in the report of the investigating
officer, formal corrections, and such changes in the charges and specifications
as are needed to make them conform to the evidence, may be made. [1961 c.454 §113;
1985 c.682 §28]
398.172 Service of charges.
The trial counsel to whom court-martial charges are referred for trial shall
cause to be served upon the accused a copy of the charges upon which trial is to
be had. No person may, against the objection of the person, be brought to trial
or be required to participate by self or counsel in a session called by the
military judge under ORS 398.209 in a general court-martial within a period of
five days after the service of the charges upon the person, or before a special
court-martial within a period of three days after the service of the charges
upon the person. [1961 c.454 §114; 1975 c.719 §18]
TRIAL PROCEDURE
398.202 Procedural regulations.
The procedure, including modes of proof, in cases before military courts and
other military tribunals may be prescribed by the Governor by military
department regulations, which shall, so far as the Governor considers
practicable, apply the principles of law and the rules of evidence generally
recognized in the trial of criminal cases in the courts of the state, but which
may not be contrary to or inconsistent with this chapter. [1961 c.454 §115]
398.204 Unlawfully influencing action of
court. (1) No authority convening a general,
special or summary court-martial nor any other commanding officer, or officer
serving on the staff thereof, may censure, reprimand or admonish the court or
any member, military judge or counsel thereof, with respect to the findings or
sentence adjudged by the court, or with respect to any other exercise of its or
the member’s functions in the conduct of the proceeding. No person subject to
this chapter may attempt to coerce or, by any unauthorized means, influence the
action of the court-martial or any other military tribunal or any member
thereof, in reaching the findings or sentence in any case, or the action of any
convening, approving or reviewing authority with respect to judicial acts of
the authority.
(2)
The provisions of subsection (1) of this section do not apply to:
(a)
General instructional or informational courses in military justice if such
courses are designed solely for the purpose of instructing members of a command
in the substantive and procedural aspects of courts-martial; and
(b)
To statements and instructions given in open court by the military judge,
president of a special court-martial, or counsel.
(3)
In the preparation of an effectiveness, fitness or efficiency report or any
other report or document used in whole or in part for the purpose of
determining whether a member of the organized militia is qualified to be
advanced in grade, or in determining the assignment or transfer of a member of
the organized militia or in determining whether a member should be retained on active
duty, no person subject to this chapter may, in preparing any such report:
(a)
Consider or evaluate the performance of duty of any such member as a member of
a court-martial; or
(b)
Give a less favorable rating or evaluation of any member of the organized
militia because of the zeal with which such member, as counsel, represented any
accused before a court-martial. [1961 c.454 §116; 1975 c.719 §19]
398.206 Duties of trial counsel and
defense counsel. (1) The trial counsel of a
general or special court-martial shall prosecute in the name of the state and
shall, under the direction of the court, prepare the record of the proceedings.
(2)
The accused has the right to be represented in the accused’s defense before a
general or special court-martial by civilian counsel if provided by the
accused, or by military counsel of the accused’s own selection if reasonably
available, or by the defense counsel detailed under ORS 398.136. Should the
accused have counsel of the accused’s own selection, the defense counsel and
assistant defense counsel, if any, who were detailed, shall, if the accused so
desires, act as associate counsel; otherwise they shall be excused by the
military judge or by the president of a court-martial without a military judge.
(3)
In every court-martial proceeding the defense counsel may, in the event of
conviction, forward for attachment to the record of proceedings a brief of such
matters as defense counsel feels should be considered in behalf of the accused
on review, including any objection to the contents of the record which defense
counsel considers appropriate.
(4)
An assistant trial counsel of a general court-martial may, under the direction
of the trial counsel or when qualified to be a trial counsel as required by ORS
398.136, perform any duty imposed by law, regulation or the custom of the
service upon the trial counsel of the court. An assistant trial counsel of a
special court-martial may perform any duty of the trial counsel.
(5)
An assistant defense counsel of a general or special court-martial may, under
the direction of the defense counsel or when qualified to be the defense
counsel as required by ORS 398.136, perform any duty imposed by law, regulation
or the custom of the service upon counsel for the accused. [1961 c.454 §117;
1975 c.719 §20; 1985 c.682 §29]
398.208 [1961
c.454 §118; repealed by 1975 c.719 §21 (398.209 enacted in lieu of 398.208)]
398.209 Court sessions.
(1) At any time after the service of charges which have been referred for trial
to a court-martial composed of a military judge and members, the military judge
may, subject to ORS 398.172, call the court into session without the presence
of the members for the purpose of:
(a)
Hearing and determining motions, raising defenses or objections which are capable
of determination without trial of the issues raised by a plea of not guilty;
(b)
Hearing and ruling upon any matter which may be ruled upon by the military
judge under this chapter, whether or not the matter is appropriate for later
consideration or decision by the members of the court;
(c)
If permitted by regulations issued by the Governor or the Adjutant General,
holding the arraignment and receiving the pleas of the accused; and
(d)
Performing any other procedural function which may be performed by the military
judge under this chapter or under regulations prescribed pursuant to ORS
398.202 and which does not require the presence of the members of the court.
(2)
These proceedings shall be conducted in the presence of the accused, the
defense counsel, and the trial counsel and shall be made a part of the record.
(3)
When the members of a court-martial deliberate or vote, only the members may be
present. All other proceedings, including any other consultation of the members
of the court with counsel or the military judge, shall be made a part of the
record and shall be in the presence of the accused, the defense counsel, the
trial counsel, and in cases in which a military judge has been detailed to the
court, the military judge. [1975 c.719 §22 (enacted in lieu of 398.208); 2005
c.512 §38]
398.210 Continuances.
The military judge or a court-martial without a military judge may, for
reasonable cause, grant a continuance to any party for such time, and as often,
as may appear to be just. [1961 c.454 §119; 1975 c.719 §23]
398.212 Challenges.
(1) The military judge and members of a general or special court-martial may be
challenged by the accused or the trial counsel for cause stated to the court.
The military judge or, if none, the court shall determine the relevancy and
validity of challenges for cause, and may not receive a challenge to more than
one person at a time. Challenges by the trial counsel shall ordinarily be
presented and decided before those by the accused are offered.
(2)
Each accused and the trial counsel is entitled to one peremptory challenge, but
the military judge may not be challenged except for cause. [1961 c.454 §120;
1975 c.719 §24]
398.214 Oaths.
(1) The military judge, interpreters, and in general and special courts-martial,
members, trial counsel, assistant trial counsel, defense counsel, assistant
defense counsel and reporters shall take an oath or affirmation in the presence
of the accused to perform their duties faithfully.
(2)
Each witness before a military court shall be examined on oath or affirmation. [1961
c.454 §121; 1975 c.719 §25]
398.216 Statute of limitation.
(1) A person charged with desertion or absence without leave in time of war, or
with aiding the enemy, may be tried and punished at any time without limitation.
(2)
Except as otherwise provided in this section, a person charged with desertion
in time of peace or the offense punishable under ORS 398.386 is not liable to
be tried by court-martial if the offense was committed more than three years
before the receipt of sworn charges and specifications by an officer exercising
summary court-martial jurisdiction over the command.
(3)
Except as otherwise provided in this section, a person charged with any offense
is not liable to be tried by court-martial or punished under ORS 398.083 if the
offense was committed more than two years before the receipt of sworn charges
and specifications by an officer exercising summary court-martial jurisdiction
over the command or before the imposition of punishment under ORS 398.083.
(4)
Periods in which the accused was absent from territory in which the state has
the authority to apprehend the accused, or in the custody of civil authorities,
or in the hands of the enemy, shall be excluded in computing the period of
limitation prescribed in this section. [1961 c.454 §122; 1985 c.682 §30]
398.218 Former jeopardy.
(1) No person may, without the person’s consent, be tried a second time for the
same offense.
(2)
No proceeding in which an accused has been found guilty by a court-martial upon
any charge or specification is a trial in the sense of this section until the
finding of guilty has become final after review of the case has been fully
completed.
(3)
A proceeding which, after the introduction of evidence but before a finding, is
dismissed or terminated by the convening authority or on motion of the
prosecution for failure of available evidence or witnesses without any fault of
the accused is a trial in the sense of this section.
(4)
Administrative actions or proceedings do not bar proceedings under this chapter
for an offense. A proceeding under this chapter for an offense does not bar an
administrative action or proceeding unless the proceeding for an offense
results in a finding of not guilty. [1961 c.454 §123; 1985 c.682 §31; 1999
c.157 §5]
398.220 Pleas of accused.
(1) If an accused arraigned before a court-martial makes an irregular pleading,
or after a plea of guilty sets up matter inconsistent with the plea, or if it
appears that the accused has entered the plea of guilty improvidently or
through lack of understanding of its meaning and effect, or if the accused
fails or refuses to plead, a plea of not guilty shall be entered in the record,
and the court shall proceed as though the accused had pleaded not guilty.
(2)
With respect to any charge or specification to which a plea of guilty has been
made by the accused and accepted by the military judge or by a court-martial
without a military judge, a finding of guilty of the charge or specification
may be entered immediately without vote. This finding shall constitute the
finding of the court unless the plea of guilty is withdrawn prior to
announcement of the sentence, in which event the proceedings shall continue as
though the accused had pleaded not guilty. [1961 c.454 §124; 1985 c.682 §32]
398.222 Opportunity to obtain witnesses
and evidence. (1) The trial counsel, the defense
counsel and the court-martial shall have equal opportunity to obtain witnesses
and other evidence in accordance with such military department regulations as
the Governor may prescribe.
(2)
The military judge, the president of a court-martial or a summary court officer
may:
(a)
Issue a warrant for the arrest of any accused person who, having been served
with a warrant and a copy of the charges, disobeys a written order by the
convening authority to appear before the court;
(b)
Issue subpoenas duces tecum and other subpoenas;
(c)
Enforce by attachment the attendance of witnesses and the production of books
and papers; and
(d)
Sentence for refusal to be sworn or to answer, as provided in actions before
civil courts of the state.
(3)
Process issued in court-martial cases to compel witnesses to appear and testify
and to compel the production of other evidence shall run to any part of the
state. [1961 c.454 §125; 1975 c.719 §26]
398.224 Refusal to appear or testify.
(1) Any person not subject to this chapter commits a Class B misdemeanor if the
person:
(a)
Has been duly subpoenaed to appear as a witness before a court-martial, court
of inquiry or any other military court or board, or before any military or
civil officer designated to take a deposition to be read in evidence before
such a court, commission or board;
(b)
Has been duly paid or tendered the fees and mileage of a witness at the rates
allowed to witnesses attending the circuit court of the state in ORS 44.415
(2); and
(c)
Willfully neglects or refuses to appear, or refuses to qualify as a witness or
to testify or to produce any evidence which that person may have been legally
subpoenaed to produce.
(2)
The district attorney of the county in which the offense occurred, upon
certification of the facts by the military court, court of inquiry or board,
shall prosecute any person who commits the offense described in subsection (1)
of this section. [1961 c.454 §126; 1985 c.682 §33; 1989 c.980 §13; 2005 c.512 §23;
2011 c.597 §189]
398.226 Contempt.
(1) A military court may punish for contempt any person who uses any menacing
word, sign or gesture in its presence, or who disturbs its proceedings by any
riot or disorder. The punishment may not exceed confinement for 30 days or a
fine of $100, or both.
(2)
A military court shall have the contempt power possessed by a civilian court as
provided under ORS 33.015 to 33.155.
(3)
A person found in contempt under this section and ordered confined may be
confined in a county jail upon written order of the military judge.
(4)
A person ordered confined under this section may be delivered to the civilian
authority by a military or civilian law enforcement authority.
(5)
The county jail may not charge the Oregon Military Department or the state for
the costs of a person’s confinement under this section. [1961 c.454 §127; 2005
c.512 §24]
398.228 Depositions.
(1) At any time after charges have been signed, as provided in ORS 398.162, any
party may take oral or written depositions unless the military judge or
court-martial without a military judge hearing the case or, if the case is not
being heard, an authority competent to convene a court-martial for the trial of
those charges forbids it for good cause. If a deposition is to be taken before
charges are referred for trial, such authority may designate commissioned
officers to represent the prosecution and the defense and may authorize those
officers to take the deposition of any witness.
(2)
The party at whose instance a deposition is to be taken shall give to every
other party reasonable written notice of the time and place for taking the
deposition.
(3)
Depositions may be taken before and authenticated by any military or civil
officer authorized by the laws of the state or by the laws of the place where
the deposition is taken to administer oaths.
(4)
A duly authenticated deposition taken upon reasonable notice to the other
parties, so far as otherwise admissible under the rules of evidence, may be
read in evidence or, in the case of audiotape, videotape or similar material,
may be played as evidence before any military court or commission, in any
proceeding before any court-martial or in any proceeding before a court of
inquiry, if it appears:
(a)
That the witness resides or is beyond the state in which the court-martial or
court of inquiry is ordered to sit, or beyond the distance of 100 miles from
the place of hearing;
(b)
That the witness by reason of death, age, sickness, bodily infirmity,
imprisonment, military necessity, nonamenability to process, or other
reasonable cause, is unable or refuses to appear and testify in person at the
place of trial or hearing; or
(c)
That the present whereabouts of the witness is unknown. [1961 c.454 §128; 1985
c.682 §34]l
398.230 Admissibility of records of courts
of inquiry. (1) In any case not extending to the
dismissal of a commissioned officer, the sworn testimony, contained in the duly
authenticated record of proceedings of a court of inquiry, of a person whose
oral testimony cannot be obtained, may, if otherwise admissible under the rules
of evidence, be read in evidence by any party before a court-martial if the
accused was a party before the court of inquiry and if the same issue was
involved or if the accused consents to the introduction of such evidence.
(2)
Such testimony may be read in evidence only by the defense in cases extending
to the dismissal of a commissioned officer.
(3)
Such testimony may also be read in evidence before a court of inquiry or a
military board. [1961 c.454 §129]
398.232 Voting and rulings.
(1) Voting by members of a general or special court-martial on the findings and
on the sentence, and by members of a court-martial without a military judge
upon questions of challenge, on the findings and on the sentence shall be by
secret written ballot. The junior member of the court shall in each case count
the votes. The count shall be checked by the president, who shall forthwith announce
the result of the ballot to the members of the court.
(2)
The military judge and, except for questions of challenge, the president of a
court-martial without a military judge, shall rule upon all questions of law
and all interlocutory questions, arising during the proceedings. Any such
ruling made by the military judge upon any question of law or any interlocutory
question other than the factual issue of mental responsibility of the accused,
or by the president of a court-martial without a military judge upon any
question of law other than a motion for a finding of not guilty is final and
constitutes the ruling of the court. However, the military judge or the
president of a court-martial without a military judge may change a ruling at
any time during the trial. Unless the ruling is final, if any member objects
thereto, the court shall be cleared and closed and the question decided by a
voice vote as provided in ORS 398.234 beginning with the junior in rank.
(3)
Before a vote is taken on the findings, the military judge or the president of
a court-martial without a military judge shall, in the presence of the accused
and counsel, instruct the members of the court as to the elements of the
offense and charge them:
(a)
That the accused must be presumed to be innocent until guilt is established by
legal and competent evidence beyond reasonable doubt;
(b)
That in the case being considered, if there is a reasonable doubt as to the
guilt of the accused, the doubt must be resolved in favor of the accused and the
accused must be acquitted;
(c)
That if there is a reasonable doubt as to the degree of guilt, the findings
must be in a lower degree as to which there is no reasonable doubt; and
(d)
That the burden of proof to establish the guilt of the accused beyond
reasonable doubt is upon the state.
(4)
Subsections (1), (2) and (3) of this section do not apply to a court-martial
composed of a military judge only. The military judge of such a court-martial
shall determine all questions of law and fact arising during the proceedings,
and, if the accused is convicted, adjudge an appropriate sentence. The military
judge of such a court-martial shall make a general finding and shall in
addition on request find the facts specially. If an opinion or memorandum of
decision is filed, it will be sufficient if the findings of fact appear
therein. [1961 c.454 §130; 1975 c.719 §27; 1985 c.682 §35]
398.234 Number of votes required.
(1) No person may be convicted of an offense, except by the concurrence of
two-thirds of the members present at the time the vote is taken.
(2)
All sentences shall be determined by the concurrence of two-thirds of the
members present at the time that the vote is taken.
(3)
All other questions to be decided by the members of a general or special court-martial
shall be determined by a majority vote. However, a determination to reconsider
a finding of guilty or to reconsider a sentence, with a view toward decreasing
it, may be made by any lesser vote which indicates that the reconsideration is
not opposed by the number of votes required for that finding or sentence. A tie
vote on a challenge disqualifies the member challenged. A tie vote on a motion
for a finding of not guilty or on a motion relating to the question of the
accused’s sanity is a determination against the accused. A tie vote on any
other question is a determination in favor of the accused. [1961 c.454 §131;
1985 c.682 §36]
398.236 Court to announce action.
A court-martial shall announce its findings and sentence to the parties as soon
as determined. [1961 c.454 §132]
398.238 Record of trial.
(1) Each general court-martial shall keep a separate record of the proceedings
of the trial of each case brought before it and the record shall be
authenticated by the signature of the military judge. If the record cannot be
authenticated by the military judge, by reason of death, disability or absence,
it shall be authenticated by the signature of the trial counsel or by that of a
member if the trial counsel is unable to authenticate it by reason of death,
disability or absence.
(2)
Each special and summary court-martial shall keep a separate record of the
proceedings in each case, and the record shall be authenticated in the manner
required by such regulations as the Governor may prescribe.
(3)
A complete record of the proceedings and testimony shall be prepared:
(a)
In each general court-martial case in which the sentence adjudged includes a
dismissal or a dishonorable discharge; and
(b)
In each special court-martial case in which the sentence adjudged includes a
dishonorable discharge.
(4)
In all other court-martial cases the record shall contain such matters as may
be prescribed by regulations of the Governor.
(5)
A copy of the record of the proceedings of each general and special court-martial
shall be given to the accused as soon as it is authenticated. [1961 c.454 §133;
1975 c.719 §28; 1985 c.682 §37]
SENTENCES
398.252 Cruel and unusual punishments
prohibited. Punishment by flogging, or by branding,
marking or tattooing on the body, or any other cruel or unusual punishment, may
not be adjudged by any court-martial or inflicted upon any person subject to
this chapter. The use of irons, single or double, except for the purpose of
safe custody, is prohibited. [1961 c.454 §134]
398.254 Punishments limited.
(1) The punishments which a court-martial may direct for an offense may not
exceed limits prescribed by this chapter.
(2)
Unless otherwise provided in regulation to be prescribed by the Governor or
Adjutant General, a court-martial sentence of an enlisted member in a pay grade
above E-1 reduces that member to pay grade E-1, effective on the date on which
the sentence is approved by the convening authority, when the sentence includes
a dishonorable discharge or dismissal.
(3)
If the sentence of a member who is reduced in pay grade under subsection (2) of
this section is set aside, disapproved or as finally approved does not include
any punishment described in subsection (2) of this section, the rights and
privileges of which the member was deprived because of that reduction shall be
restored and the member is entitled to the pay and allowances to which the
member would have been entitled for the period the reduction was in effect. [1961
c.454 §135; 1985 c.682 §38]
398.256 Effective date of sentence.
(1) Whenever a sentence of a court-martial as lawfully adjudged and approved
includes a forfeiture of pay or allowances, the forfeiture may apply to pay or
allowances becoming due on or after the date the sentence is approved by the
convening authority. No forfeiture may extend to any pay or allowances accrued
before that date.
(2)
Any period of confinement included in a sentence of a court-martial begins to
run from the date the sentence is ordered to be executed by the convening
authority but periods during which the sentence to confinement is suspended or
deferred shall be excluded in computing the service of the term of confinement.
Regulations prescribed by the Governor may provide that sentences of
confinement may not be executed until approved by designated officers.
(3)
All other sentences of courts-martial are effective on the date ordered
executed. [1961 c.454 §136; 1985 c.682 §39]
398.258 Execution of confinement.
(1) A sentence of confinement adjudged by a military court, whether or not the
sentence includes discharge or dismissal, and whether or not the discharge or
dismissal has been executed, may be carried into execution by confinement in
any place of confinement under the control of any of the forces of the
organized militia or in any jail, penitentiary or prison designated for that
purpose. Persons so confined in a jail, penitentiary or prison are subject to
the same discipline and treatment as persons confined or committed to the jail,
penitentiary or prison by the courts of the state or of any political
subdivision thereof.
(2)
The keepers, officers and wardens of county jails, penitentiaries or prisons
designated by the Governor, or by such person as the Governor may authorize to
act under ORS 398.060, shall receive persons ordered into confinement before
trial and persons committed to confinement by a military court and shall
confine them according to law.
(3)
A person confined under this section shall have the status of a priority
prisoner as defined in ORS 398.058 and may be released only upon order of a
military court.
(4)
A keeper, officer or warden described in subsection (2) of this section may not
require payment of any fee or charge for receiving or confining a person under
this section. [1961 c.454 §137; 1975 c.719 §29; 1985 c.682 §40; 2005 c.512 §25]
398.260 [1985
c.682 §13; repealed by 1999 c.157 §8]
REVIEW OF COURTS-MARTIAL
398.272 Approval and execution or
suspension of sentence. Except as provided in ORS
398.112 and 398.282, a court-martial sentence, unless suspended, may be ordered
executed by the convening authority when approved. The convening authority
shall approve the sentence or such part, amount or commuted form of the
sentence as the convening authority sees fit, and may suspend the execution of the
sentence as approved. [1961 c.454 §138; 1985 c.682 §41]
398.274 Initial review and action on trial
record. (1) After a trial by court-martial the
record shall be forwarded to the convening authority, as reviewing authority,
and action thereon may be taken by the person who convened the court, a
commissioned officer commanding for the time being, a successor in command or
by the Governor.
(2)
The convening authority shall refer the record of each general court-martial to
the State Judge Advocate, who shall submit a written opinion thereon to the
convening authority. If the final action of the court has resulted in an
acquittal of all charges and specifications, the opinion shall be limited to
questions of jurisdiction. [1961 c.454 §§139,140]
398.276 Reconsideration and revision of
court’s ruling. (1) If a specification before a
court-martial has been dismissed on motion and the ruling does not amount to a
finding of not guilty, the convening authority may return the record to the
court for reconsideration of the ruling and any further appropriate action.
(2)
Where there is an apparent error or omission in the record or where the record
shows improper or inconsistent action by a court-martial with respect to a
finding or sentence which can be rectified without material prejudice to the
substantial rights of the accused, the convening authority may return the
record to the court for appropriate action. In no case, however, may the record
be returned:
(a)
For reconsideration of a finding of not guilty of any specification, or a
ruling which amounts to a finding of not guilty;
(b)
For reconsideration of a finding of not guilty of any charge, unless the record
shows a finding of guilty under a specification laid under that charge, which
sufficiently alleges a violation of some section of this chapter; or
(c)
For increasing the severity of the sentence unless the sentence prescribed for
the offense is mandatory. [1961 c.454 §141]
398.278 Rehearings.
(1) If the convening authority disapproves the findings and sentence of a
court-martial the convening authority may, except where there is lack of
sufficient evidence in the record to support the findings, order a rehearing.
In such a case the convening authority shall state the reasons for disapproval.
If the convening authority disapproves the findings and sentence and does not
order a rehearing, the convening authority shall dismiss the charges.
(2)
Each rehearing shall take place before a court-martial composed of members not
members of the court-martial which first heard the case. Upon a rehearing the
accused may not be tried for any offense of which the accused was found not
guilty by the first court-martial, and no sentence in excess of or more severe
than the original sentence may be imposed, unless the sentence is based upon a
finding of guilty of an offense not considered upon the merits in the original
proceedings, or unless the sentence prescribed for the offense is mandatory. [1961
c.454 §142]
398.280 Approval by convening authority.
In acting on the findings and sentence of a court-martial, the convening
authority may approve only such findings of guilty, and the sentence or such
part or amount of the sentence, as the convening authority finds correct in law
and fact and as the convening authority in the discretion of the convening
authority determines should be approved. Unless the convening authority
indicated otherwise, approval of the sentence is approval of the findings and
sentence. [1961 c.454 §143]
398.282 Review of records; disposition.
(1) If the convening authority is the Governor, action by the Governor on the
review of any record of trial is final.
(2)
In all other cases not covered by subsection (1) of this section, if the
sentence of a special court-martial as approved by the convening authority
includes a dishonorable discharge, whether or not suspended, the entire record
shall be sent to the appropriate judge advocate of the state force concerned to
be reviewed in the same manner as a record of trial by general court-martial.
The record and the opinion of the judge advocate shall then be sent to the
State Judge Advocate for review.
(3)
All other special and summary court-martial records shall be sent to the judge
advocate of the appropriate force of the organized militia and shall be acted
upon, transmitted, and disposed of as may be prescribed by the Governor.
(4)
The State Judge Advocate shall review the record of trial in each case sent to
the State Judge Advocate for review as provided under subsection (2) of this
section. If the final action of the court-martial has resulted in an acquittal
of all charges and specifications, the opinion of the State Judge Advocate
shall be limited to questions of jurisdiction.
(5)
The State Judge Advocate shall take final action in any case reviewable by the
State Judge Advocate.
(6)
In a case reviewable by the State Judge Advocate under this section, the State
Judge Advocate may act only with respect to the findings and sentence as
approved by the convening authority. The State Judge Advocate may affirm only
such findings of guilty, and the sentence or such part or amount of the
sentence, as the State Judge Advocate finds correct in law and fact and
determines, on the basis of the entire record, should be approved. In
considering the record the State Judge Advocate may weigh the evidence, judge
the credibility of witnesses and determine controverted questions of fact,
recognizing that the trial court saw and heard the witnesses. If the State
Judge Advocate sets aside the findings and sentence, the State Judge Advocate
may, except where the setting aside is based on lack of sufficient evidence in
the record to support the findings, order a rehearing. If the State Judge
Advocate sets aside the findings and sentence and does not order a rehearing, the
State Judge Advocate shall order that the charges be dismissed.
(7)
In a case reviewable by the State Judge Advocate under this section, the State
Judge Advocate shall instruct the convening authority to act in accordance with
the State Judge Advocate’s decision on the review. If the State Judge Advocate
has ordered a rehearing but the convening authority finds a rehearing
impracticable, the State Judge Advocate may dismiss the charges.
(8)
The State Judge Advocate may order one or more boards of review each composed
of not fewer than three commissioned officers of the organized militia, each of
whom must be a member of the Oregon State Bar. Each board of review shall
review the record of any trial by special court-martial referred to it by the
State Judge Advocate. Boards of review have the same authority on review as the
State Judge Advocate has under this section. [1961 c.454 §144; 1985 c.682 §42;
2005 c.512 §39]
398.284 Error of law; lesser included
offense. (1) A finding or sentence of a
court-martial may not be held incorrect on the ground of an error of law unless
the error materially prejudices the substantial rights of the accused.
(2)
Any reviewing authority with the power to approve or affirm a finding of guilty
may approve or affirm so much of the finding as includes a lesser included
offense. [1961 c.454 §145]
398.286 Review counsel.
(1) Upon the final review of a sentence of a general court-martial, the accused
has the right to be represented by counsel before the reviewing authority, before
the staff judge advocate or legal officer, as the case may be, and before the
State Judge Advocate.
(2)
Upon the request of an accused entitled to be so represented, the State Judge
Advocate shall appoint a lawyer who is a member of the organized militia and
who has the qualifications prescribed in ORS 398.136, if available, to
represent the accused before the reviewing authority, before the staff judge
advocate or legal officer, as the case may be, and before the State Judge
Advocate, in the review of cases specified in subsection (1) of this section.
(3)
If provided by the accused, an accused entitled to be so represented may be
represented by civilian counsel before the reviewing authority, before the
staff judge advocate or legal officer, as the case may be, and before the State
Judge Advocate. [1961 c.454 §146; 1985 c.682 §43]
398.288 Vacation of suspension.
(1) Before the vacation of the suspension of a special court-martial sentence
which as approved includes a dishonorable discharge, or of any general
court-martial sentence, the officer having court-martial jurisdiction over the
probationer shall hold a hearing on the alleged violation of probation. The
probationer shall be represented at the hearing by counsel if the probationer
so desires.
(2)
The record of the hearing and the recommendation of the officer having special
court-martial jurisdiction shall be sent for action to the Governor in cases
involving a general court-martial sentence and to the commanding officer of the
force of the organized militia of which the probationer is a member in all
other cases covered by subsection (1) of this section. If the Governor or
commanding officer vacates the suspension, any unexecuted part of the sentence
except a dismissal shall be executed.
(3)
The suspension of any other sentence may be vacated by any authority competent
to convene, for the command in which the accused is serving or assigned, a
court of the kind that imposed the sentence. [1961 c.454 §147; 1985 c.682 §44]
398.290 Petition for new trial.
At any time within two years after approval by the convening authority of a
court-martial sentence which extends to dismissal or dishonorable discharge,
the accused may petition the Governor for a new trial on ground of newly
discovered evidence or fraud on the court-martial. [1961 c.454 §148; 1985 c.682
§45]
398.292 Remission and suspension.
(1) A convening authority may remit or suspend any part or amount of the
unexecuted part of any sentence, including all uncollected forfeitures.
(2)
The Governor may, for good cause, substitute an administrative form of
discharge for a discharge or dismissal executed in accordance with the sentence
of a court-martial. [1961 c.454 §149]
398.294 Restoration.
(1) Under such military department regulations as the Governor may prescribe,
all rights, privileges and property affected by an executed part of a
court-martial sentence which has been set aside or disapproved, except an
executed dismissal or discharge, shall be restored unless a new trial or
rehearing is ordered and such executed part is included in a sentence imposed
upon the new trial or rehearing.
(2)
If a previously executed sentence of dishonorable discharge is not imposed on a
new trial, the Governor shall substitute therefor a form of discharge authorized
for administrative issuance unless the accused is to serve out the remainder of
the enlistment.
(3)
If a previously executed sentence of dismissal is not imposed on a new trial,
the Governor shall substitute therefor a form of discharge authorized for
administrative issue, and the commissioned officer dismissed by that sentence
may be reappointed by the Governor alone to such commissioned grade and with
such rank as in the opinion of the Governor that former officer would have
attained had the officer not been dismissed. The reappointment of such former
officer may be made if a position vacancy is available under applicable tables
of organization. All time between the dismissal and the reappointment shall be
considered as service for all purposes. [1961 c.454 §150; 1985 c.682 §46]
398.296 Finality of proceedings, findings
and sentences. The proceedings, findings and sentences
of court-martial as reviewed and approved, as required by this chapter, and all
dismissals and discharges carried into execution under sentences by
court-martial following review and approval, as required by this chapter, are
final and conclusive. Orders publishing the proceedings of court-martial and
all action taken pursuant to those proceedings are binding upon all departments,
courts, agencies and officers of the state, subject only to action upon a
petition for a new trial as provided in ORS 398.290. [1961 c.454 §151]
PUNITIVE PROVISIONS
398.302 When persons may be tried or
punished. A person may not be tried or punished
for any offense provided for in ORS 398.302 to 398.400, unless:
(1)
The offense was committed while the person was in a duty status during a period
of time in which the person was under lawful orders to be in a duty status; or
(2)
The offense charged has a connection with the military duties of the person.
For purposes of this subsection, the required connection with military duties
is conclusively established for offenses for which there is no equivalent
offense in the general criminal laws of this state and for offenses involving
wrongful use, possession, manufacture, distribution or introduction of a
substance described in ORS 398.391 (2) in violation of ORS 398.391. [1961 c.454
§152; 1975 c.719 §30; 1999 c.157 §6; 2005 c.512 §26]
398.304 Principals.
Any person subject to this chapter who:
(1)
Commits an offense punishable by this chapter, or aids, abets, counsels,
commands or procures its commission; or
(2)
Causes an act to be done which if directly performed by the person would be
punishable by this chapter;
is a principal. [1961 c.454 §153]
398.306 Accessory after fact.
Any person subject to this chapter who, knowing that an offense punishable by
this chapter has been committed, receives, comforts or assists the offender in
order to hinder or prevent the apprehension, trial or punishment of the
offender shall be punished as a court-martial may direct. [1961 c.454 §154]
398.308 Conviction of lesser included
offense. An accused may be found guilty of an
offense necessarily included in the offense charged or of an attempt to commit
either the offense charged or an offense necessarily included therein. [1961
c.454 §155]
398.310 Attempts.
(1) An act done with specific intent to commit an offense under this chapter,
amounting to more than mere preparation and tending even though failing to
effect its commission, is an attempt to commit that offense.
(2)
Any person subject to this chapter who attempts to commit any offense
punishable by this chapter shall be punished as a court-martial may direct, unless
otherwise specifically prescribed.
(3)
Any person subject to this chapter may be convicted of an attempt to commit an
offense although it appears on the trial that the offense was consummated. [1961
c.454 §156]
398.312 Conspiracy.
Any person subject to this chapter who conspires with any other person to
commit an offense under this chapter shall, if one or more of the conspirators
does an act to effect the object of the conspiracy, be punished as a
court-martial may direct. [1961 c.454 §157]
398.314 Solicitation.
(1) Any person subject to this chapter who solicits or advises another or
others to desert in violation of ORS 398.320 or mutiny in violation of ORS
398.338 shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.
(2)
Any person subject to this chapter who solicits or advises another or others to
commit an act of misbehavior before the enemy in violation of ORS 398.348 or
sedition in violation of ORS 398.338 shall be punished as a court-martial may
direct. [1961 c.454 §158]
398.316 Fraudulent enlistment, appointment
or separation. Any person who:
(1)
Procures the person’s own enlistment or appointment in the organized militia by
knowingly false representation or deliberate concealment as to qualifications
for that enlistment or appointment and receives pay or allowances thereunder;
or
(2)
Procures the person’s own separation from the organized militia by knowingly
false representation or deliberate concealment as to eligibility for that
separation;
shall be punished as a court-martial may
direct. [1961 c.454 §159]
398.318 Unlawful enlistment, appointment
or separation. Any person subject to this chapter who
effects an enlistment or appointment in or a separation from the organized
militia of any person who is known to the person to be ineligible for that
enlistment, appointment or separation because it is prohibited by law,
regulation or order shall be punished as a court-martial may direct. [1961
c.454 §160]
398.320 Desertion.
(1) Any member of the organized militia who:
(a)
Without authority goes or remains absent from the unit, organization or place
of duty of the member with intent to remain away therefrom permanently;
(b)
Quits the unit, organization or place of duty of the member with intent to
avoid hazardous duty or to shirk important service; or
(c)
Without being regularly separated from one of the forces of the organized
militia enlists or accepts an appointment in the same or another one of the
forces of the organized militia without fully disclosing the fact that the
member has not been regularly separated;
is guilty of desertion.
(2)
Any commissioned officer of the organized militia who, after tender of
resignation and before notice of its acceptance, quits the post or proper
duties of the officer without leave and with intent to remain away therefrom
permanently is guilty of desertion.
(3)
Any person found guilty of desertion or attempt to desert shall be punished as
a court-martial may direct. [1961 c.454 §161]
398.322 Absence without leave.
Any person subject to this chapter who, without authority:
(1)
Fails to go to the appointed place of duty of the person at the time
prescribed;
(2)
Goes from that place; or
(3)
Is absent from the unit, organization or place of duty at which the person is
required to be at the time prescribed;
shall be punished as a court-martial may
direct. [1961 c.454 §162]
398.324 Failure to make required move.
Any person subject to this chapter who through neglect or design misses the
movement of a ship, aircraft or unit with which the person is required in the
course of duty to move shall be punished as a court-martial may direct. [1961
c.454 §163]
398.326 Contempt toward officials.
Any commissioned officer subject to this chapter who uses contemptuous words
against the President, the Governor or the legislature of this state, or the
Governor or legislature of any state, territory, commonwealth or possession
wherein that officer may be serving, shall be punished as a court-martial may
direct. [1961 c.454 §164; 1985 c.682 §47]
398.328 Disrespect toward superior
commissioned officer. Any person subject to this
chapter who behaves with disrespect toward a superior commissioned officer
shall be punished as a court-martial may direct. [1961 c.454 §165]
398.330 Assaulting or willfully disobeying
superior commissioned officer. Any person
subject to this chapter who:
(1)
Strikes a superior commissioned officer or draws or lifts up any weapon or
offers any violence against the officer while the officer is in the execution
of office; or
(2)
Willfully disobeys a lawful command of a superior commissioned officer;
shall be punished as a court-martial may
direct. [1961 c.454 §166]
398.332 Insubordinate conduct toward
warrant officer or noncommissioned officer. Any
warrant officer or enlisted member who:
(1)
Strikes or assaults a warrant officer or noncommissioned officer while that
officer is in the execution of office;
(2)
Willfully disobeys the lawful order of a warrant officer or noncommissioned
officer; or
(3)
Treats with contempt or is disrespectful in language or deportment toward a
warrant officer or noncommissioned officer while that officer is in the
execution of office;
shall be punished as a court-martial may
direct. [1961 c.454 §167]
398.334 Failure to obey order or
regulation. Any person subject to this chapter who:
(1)
Violates or fails to obey any lawful general order or regulation;
(2)
Having knowledge of any other lawful order issued by a member of the organized
militia, which it is the duty of the person to obey, fails to obey the order;
or
(3)
Is derelict in the performance of duties;
shall be punished as a court-martial may
direct. [1961 c.454 §168]
398.336 Cruelty and maltreatment.
Any person subject to this chapter who is guilty of cruelty toward, or
oppression or maltreatment of, any person subject to the orders of the person
shall be punished as a court-martial may direct. [1961 c.454 §169]
398.338 Mutiny or sedition.
(1) Any person subject to this chapter who:
(a)
With intent to usurp or override lawful military authority refuses, in concert
with another, to obey orders or otherwise do the person’s duty or creates any
violence or disturbance is guilty of mutiny;
(b)
With intent to cause the overthrow or destruction of lawful civil authority,
creates, in concert with any other person, revolt, violence or other
disturbance against that authority is guilty of sedition;
(c)
Fails to do the utmost to prevent and suppress a mutiny or sedition being
committed in the presence of the person, or fails to take all reasonable means
to inform a superior commissioned officer or commanding officer of a mutiny or
sedition which the person knows or has reason to believe is taking place, is
guilty of a failure to suppress or report a mutiny or sedition.
(2)
A person who is found guilty of attempted mutiny, mutiny, sedition or failure
to suppress or report a mutiny or sedition, shall be punished as a
court-martial may direct. [1961 c.454 §170]
398.340 Resistance, breach of arrest and
escape. Any person subject to this chapter who
resists apprehension or breaks arrest or who escapes from custody or
confinement shall be punished as a court-martial may direct. [1961 c.454 §171;
1985 c.682 §48]
398.342 Releasing prisoner without proper
authority. Any person subject to this chapter who,
without proper authority, releases any prisoner committed to the charge of the
person, or who through neglect or design suffers any such prisoner to escape,
shall be punished as a court-martial may direct, whether or not the prisoner
was committed in strict compliance with law. [1961 c.454 §172]
398.344 Unlawful detention.
Any person subject to this chapter who, except as provided by law or
regulation, apprehends, arrests or confines any person shall be punished as a
court-martial may direct. [1961 c.454 §173]
398.346 Noncompliance with procedural
rules. Any person subject to this chapter who:
(1)
Is responsible for unnecessary delay in the disposition of any case of a person
accused of an offense under this chapter; or
(2)
Knowingly and intentionally fails to enforce or comply with any provision of
this chapter regulating the proceedings before, during or after trial of an
accused;
shall be punished as a court-martial may
direct. [1961 c.454 §174]
398.348 Misbehavior before enemy.
Any person subject to this chapter who before or in the presence of the enemy:
(1)
Runs away;
(2)
Shamefully abandons, surrenders or delivers up any command, unit, place or
military property which it is the duty of the person to defend;
(3)
Through disobedience, neglect or intentional misconduct endangers the safety of
any such command, unit, place or military property;
(4)
Casts away arms or ammunition;
(5)
Is guilty of cowardly conduct;
(6)
Quits a place of duty to plunder or pillage;
(7)
Causes false alarms in any command, unit or place under control of the Armed
Forces of the United States or the organized militia;
(8)
Willfully fails to do the utmost to encounter, engage, capture or destroy any
enemy troops, combatants, vessels, aircraft or any other thing, which it is the
duty of the person so to encounter, engage, capture or destroy; or
(9)
Does not afford all practicable relief and assistance to any troops,
combatants, vessels or aircraft of the Armed Forces belonging to the United
States or their allies, to this state or to any other state, when engaged in
battle;
shall be punished as a court-martial may
direct. [1961 c.454 §175]
398.350 Subordinate compelling surrender.
Any person subject to this chapter who compels or attempts to compel the
commander of any force of the organized militia of this state or of any other
state to give it up to an enemy or to abandon it, or who strikes the colors or
flag to any enemy without proper authority, shall be punished as a
court-martial may direct. [1961 c.454 §176]
398.352 Improper use of countersign.
Any person subject to this chapter who in time of war discloses the parole or
countersign to any person not entitled to receive it, or who gives to another
who is entitled to receive and use the parole or countersign a different parole
or countersign from that which, to the knowledge of the person, the person was
authorized and required to give, shall be punished as a court-martial may
direct. [1961 c.454 §177]
398.354 Forcing safeguard.
Any person subject to this chapter who forces a safeguard shall be punished as
a court-martial may direct. [1961 c.454 §178]
398.356 Captured or abandoned property.
(1) All persons subject to this chapter shall secure all public property taken
from the enemy for the service of the United States, and shall give notice and
turn over to the proper authority without delay all captured or abandoned
property in their possession, custody or control.
(2)
Any person subject to this chapter who:
(a)
Fails to carry out the duties prescribed in subsection (1) of this section;
(b)
Buys, sells, trades or in any way deals in or disposes of, captured or
abandoned property, whereby the person receives or expects any profit, benefit
or advantage to self or another directly or indirectly connected with self; or
(c)
Engages in looting or pillaging;
shall be punished as a court-martial may
direct. [1961 c.454 §179]
398.358 Aiding enemy.
Any person subject to this chapter who:
(1)
Aids, or attempts to aid, the enemy with arms, ammunition, supplies, money or
other things; or
(2)
Without proper authority, knowingly harbors or protects or gives intelligence
to, or communicates or corresponds with or holds any intercourse with the
enemy, either directly or indirectly;
shall be punished as a court-martial may
direct. [1961 c.454 §180]
398.360 Misconduct as prisoner.
Any person subject to this chapter who, while in the hands of the enemy in time
of war:
(1)
For the purpose of securing favorable treatment by the captors of the person
acts without proper authority in a manner contrary to law, custom or
regulation, to the detriment of others of whatever nationality held by the
enemy as civilian or military prisoners; or
(2)
While in a position of authority over such persons maltreats them without
justifiable cause;
shall be punished as a court-martial may
direct. [1961 c.454 §181]
398.362 False official statements.
Any person subject to this chapter, who, with intent to deceive, signs any
false record, return, regulation, order or other official document, knowing it
to be false, or makes any other false official statement knowing it to be
false, shall be punished as a court-martial may direct. [1961 c.454 §182]
398.366 Loss, damage, destruction or
wrongful disposition of military property. Any
person subject to this chapter who, without proper authority:
(1)
Sells or otherwise disposes of;
(2)
Willfully or through neglect damages, destroys or loses; or
(3)
Willfully or through neglect suffers to be lost, damaged, destroyed, sold or
wrongfully disposed of;
any military property of the United
States or of the state, shall be punished as a court-martial may direct. [1961
c.454 §183]
398.368 Waste, spoilage or destruction of
property other than military. Any person
subject to this chapter who, while in a duty status, willfully or recklessly
wastes, spoils or otherwise willfully and wrongfully destroys or damages any
property other than military property of the United States or of the state
shall be punished as a court-martial may direct. [1961 c.454 §184]
398.370 Improper hazarding of vessel.
(1) Any person subject to this chapter who willfully and wrongfully hazards or
suffers to be hazarded any vessel of the Armed Forces of the United States or
of the organized militia shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.
(2)
Any person subject to this chapter who negligently hazards or suffers to be
hazarded any vessel of the Armed Forces of the United States or of the
organized militia shall be punished as a court-martial may direct. [1961 c.454 §185]
398.372 Driving while drunk.
Any person subject to this chapter who operates any vehicle while drunk, or in
a reckless or wanton manner, shall be punished as a court-martial may direct. [1961
c.454 §186; 1975 c.719 §31; 1979 c.744 §18; 1985 c.682 §49]
398.374 Drunk on duty.
Any person subject to this chapter other than a sentinel or lookout who is
found drunk on duty shall be punished as a court-martial may direct. [1961
c.454 §187; 1985 c.682 §50]
398.375 Sentinel or lookout drunk or
sleeping on post; leaving before relief. Any sentinel
or lookout who is found drunk or sleeping upon post, or who leaves it before
being regularly relieved, shall be punished as a court-martial may direct. [1985
c.682 §4]
398.376 [1961
c.454 §188; repealed by 1975 c.719 §34]
398.378 Malingering.
Any person subject to this chapter who for the purpose of avoiding work duty or
service in the organized militia:
(1)
Feigns illness, physical disablement, mental lapse or derangement; or
(2)
Intentionally inflicts self-injury;
shall be punished as a court-martial may
direct. [1961 c.454 §189]
398.380 Riot or breach of peace.
Any person subject to this chapter who causes or participates in any riot or
breach of the peace shall be punished as a court-martial may direct. [1961 c.454
§190]
398.382 [1961
c.454 §191; repealed by 1975 c.719 §34]
398.384 Stealing goods.
(1) Any person subject to this chapter who wrongfully takes, obtains, or
withholds, by any means, from the possession of the owner or of any other
person any money, personal property, or article of value of any kind:
(a)
With intent permanently to deprive or defraud another person of the use and
benefit of property or to appropriate it for personal use or to the use of any
person other than the owner, steals that property and is guilty of larceny; or
(b)
With intent temporarily to deprive or defraud another person of the use and
benefit of property or to appropriate it for personal use or to the use of any
person other than the owner, is guilty of wrongful appropriation.
(2)
Any person found guilty of larceny or wrongful appropriation shall be punished
as a court-martial may direct. [1961 c.454 §194; 1975 c.719 §32; 1985 c.682 §51]
398.386 Perjury.
Any person subject to this chapter who in a judicial proceeding or in a course
of justice conducted under this chapter willfully and corruptly gives, upon a
lawful oath or in any form allowed by law to be substituted for an oath, any
false testimony material to the issue or matter of inquiry is guilty of perjury
and shall be punished as a court-martial may direct. [1961 c.454 §192]
398.388 Frauds against government.
Any person subject to this chapter:
(1)
Who, knowing it to be false or fraudulent:
(a)
Makes any claim against the United States, the state or any officer thereof; or
(b)
Presents to any person in the civil or military service thereof, for approval
or payment, any claim against the United States, the state, or any officer
thereof;
(2)
Who, for the purpose of obtaining the approval, allowance, or payment of any
claim against the United States, the state or any officer thereof:
(a)
Makes or uses any writing or other paper knowing it to contain any false or
fraudulent statements;
(b)
Makes any oath to any fact or to any writing or other paper knowing the oath to
be false; or
(c)
Forges or counterfeits any signature upon any writing or other paper, or uses
any such signature knowing it to be forged or counterfeited;
(3)
Who, having charge, possession, custody or control of any money or other
property of the United States or the state, furnished or intended for the Armed
Forces of the United States or the organized militia or any force thereof,
knowingly delivers to any person having authority to receive it, any amount
thereof less than that for which the person receives a certificate or receipt;
or
(4)
Who, being authorized to make or deliver any paper certifying the receipt of
any property of the United States or the state, furnished or intended for the
Armed Forces of the United States or the organized militia or any force
thereof, makes or delivers to any person such writing without having full
knowledge of the truth of the statements therein contained and with intent to
defraud the United States or the state;
shall upon conviction, be punished as a
court-martial may direct. [1961 c.454 §193]
398.390 [1961
c.454 §195; repealed by 1975 c.719 §34]
398.391 Controlled substances.
(1) Any person subject to this chapter who wrongfully uses, possesses,
manufactures, distributes or introduces into an installation, vessel, vehicle
or aircraft used by or under the control of the organized militia a substance
described in subsection (2) of this section shall be punished as a
court-martial may direct.
(2)
The substances referred to in subsection (1) of this section are the following:
(a)
Opium, heroin, cocaine, amphetamine, lysergic acid diethylamide,
methamphetamine, phencyclidine, barbituric acid and marijuana and any compound
or derivative of any such substance.
(b)
Any other substance not specified in paragraph (a) of this subsection that is
listed in schedules I to V of section 202 of the Controlled Substances Act (21
U.S.C. 812), as modified under ORS 475.035. [1985 c.682 §3]
398.392 [1961
c.454 §196; 1971 c.743 §363; repealed by 1975 c.719 §34]
398.393 Dueling; failure to report
dueling. Any person subject to this chapter who
fights or promotes or is concerned in or connives at fighting a duel or who,
having knowledge of a challenge sent or about to be sent, fails to report the
fact promptly to the proper authority, shall be punished as a court-martial may
direct. [1985 c.682 §5]
398.394 Provoking or reproachful words or
gestures. Any person subject to this chapter who
uses provoking or reproachful words or gestures toward any other person subject
to this chapter shall be punished as a court-martial may direct. [1985 c.682 §6]
398.395 Insufficient funds or credit.
(1) Any person subject to this chapter who makes, draws, utters or delivers any
check, draft or order for the payment of money upon any bank or other
depository, knowing at the time that the maker or drawer has not or will not
have sufficient funds in, or credit with, the bank or other depository for the
payment of that check, draft or order in full upon its presentment shall be
punished as a court-martial may direct when the person makes, draws or utters
the check, draft or order:
(a)
For the procurement of any article or thing of value, with intent to defraud;
or
(b)
For the payment of any past due obligation or for any other purpose, with intent
to deceive.
(2)
The making, drawing, uttering or delivering by a maker or drawer of a check,
draft or order for which payment is refused by the drawee because of
insufficient funds of the maker or drawer in the drawee’s possession or control
is prima facie evidence of an intent to defraud or deceive and of a knowledge
of insufficient funds in, or credit with, that bank or other depository unless
the maker or drawer pays the holder the amount due within five days after
receiving notice, orally or in writing, that the check, draft or order was not
paid on presentment.
(3)
As used in this section, “credit” means an arrangement or understanding,
express or implied, with the bank or other depository for the payment of that
check, draft or order. [1985 c.682 §7]
398.397 Unlawful force or violence.
Any person subject to this chapter who attempts or offers with unlawful force
or violence to do bodily harm to another person, whether or not the attempt or
offer is consummated is guilty of assault and shall be punished as a
court-martial may direct. [1985 c.682 §8]
398.399 Conduct unbecoming officer.
Any commissioned officer who is convicted of conduct unbecoming an officer
shall be punished as a court-martial may direct. [1985 c.682 §9]
398.400 Conduct to prejudice of good order
and discipline; limits to jurisdiction of courts-martial.
Though not specifically mentioned in this chapter, all disorders and neglects
to the prejudice of good order and discipline in the organized militia, of
which persons subject to this code may be guilty, shall be taken cognizance of
by a general, special or summary court-martial, according to the nature and
degree of the offense, and shall be punished at the discretion of that court.
However, cognizance shall not be taken of, and jurisdiction may not extend to,
the crimes of murder, manslaughter, rape, robbery, maiming, sodomy, arson,
extortion, aggravated assault, burglary or housebreaking, unless the State of
Oregon does not have jurisdiction to prosecute the offense under the general
criminal laws of this state or, if the State of Oregon has such jurisdiction,
chooses not to exercise that jurisdiction. [1985 c.682 §10; 1999 c.157 §7]
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
398.402 Courts of inquiry.
(1) Courts of inquiry to investigate any matter may be convened by the Governor
or by any other person designated by the Governor for that purpose, whether or
not the persons involved have requested such an inquiry.
(2)
A court of inquiry consists of three or more commissioned officers. For each
court of inquiry the convening authority shall also appoint counsel for the
court.
(3)
Any person subject to this chapter whose conduct is subject to inquiry shall be
designated as a party. Any person subject to this chapter or employed in the
Oregon Military Department, who has a direct interest in the subject of inquiry
has the right to be designated as a party upon request of the court. Any person
designated as a party shall be given due notice and has the right to be
present, to be represented by counsel, to cross-examine witnesses and to
introduce evidence.
(4)
Members of a court of inquiry may be challenged by a party, but only for cause
stated to the court.
(5)
The members, counsel, the reporter and interpreters of courts of inquiry shall
take an oath of affirmation to faithfully perform their duties.
(6)
Witnesses may be summoned to appear and testify and be examined before courts
of inquiry, as provided for courts-martial.
(7)
Courts of inquiry shall make findings of fact but may not express opinions or
make recommendations unless required to do so by the convening authority.
(8)
Each court of inquiry shall keep a record of its proceedings, which shall be
authenticated by the signatures of the president and counsel for the court and
forwarded to the convening authority. If the record cannot be authenticated by
the president, it shall be signed by a member in lieu of the president. If the
record cannot be authenticated by the counsel for the court, it shall be signed
by a member in lieu of the counsel. [1961 c.454 §197; 1989 c.360 §10]
398.404 Redress of injuries to property.
(1) Whenever complaint is made to any commanding officer that willful damage
has been done to the property of any person or that the property of any person
has been wrongfully taken by members of the organized militia, the officer may,
subject to such military department regulations as the Governor may prescribe,
convene a board to investigate the complaint. The board shall consist of from
one to three officers and, for the purpose of that investigation, it has power
to summon witnesses and examine them upon oath or affirmation, to receive
depositions or other documentary evidence, and to assess the damages sustained
against the responsible parties. The assessment of damages made by the board is
subject to the approval of the commanding officer, and in the amount approved
by the officer shall be charged against the pay of the offenders. The order of
the commanding officer directing charges herein authorized is conclusive, except
as provided in subsection (3) of this section, on any disbursing officer for
the payment by the disbursing officer to the injured parties of the damages so
assessed and approved.
(2)
If the offenders cannot be ascertained, but the organization or detachment to
which they belong is known, charges totaling the amount of damages assessed and
approved may be paid to the injured parties from the military fund of the unit
or units of the organized militia to which such offenders belonged.
(3)
Any person subject to this chapter who is accused of causing willful damage to
property has the right to be represented by counsel, to summon witnesses in
behalf of the person and to cross-examine those appearing against the person.
The person has the right to appeal to the next higher commander. [1961 c.454 §201]
398.406 Execution of process and sentence.
In the organized militia not in federal service, the processes and sentences of
its courts-martial shall be executed by the civil officers prescribed by the
laws of the state. Where no provision is made for executing those processes and
sentences, the process or sentence shall be executed by a United States Marshal
or deputy marshal, who shall make a return to the military officer issuing the
process or the court imposing the sentence, pursuant to section 333 of title
32, United States Code. [1961 c.454 §202]
398.408 Process of military courts.
(1) Military courts may issue all process necessary to carry into effect the
powers vested in those courts. Such courts may issue subpoenas and subpoenas
duces tecum and enforce by attachment attendance of witnesses and production of
books and records, when the courts are sitting within the state and the
witnesses, books and records sought are also so located.
(2)
Such process may be issued by summary courts-martial, provost courts or the
president or military judge of other military courts and may be directed to and
may be executed by the marshals of the military court or any peace officer and
shall be in such form as may be prescribed by military department regulations
issued under this chapter.
(3)
All officers to whom such process may be so directed shall execute them and
make return of their acts thereunder according to the requirements of those
documents. Except as otherwise specifically provided in this chapter, no such
officer may demand or require payment of any fee or charge for receiving,
executing or returning such a process or for any service in connection
therewith. [1961 c.454 §203; 1975 c.719 §33; 1981 c.178 §13]
398.410 Payment of fines and disposition
thereof. Fines may be paid to a military court
or to an officer executing its process. The amount of such a fine may be noted
upon any state roll or account for pay of the delinquent and deducted from any
pay or allowance due or thereafter to become due the delinquent, until the fine
is liquidated. Any sum so deducted shall be turned in to the military court
which imposed the fine and shall be paid over by the officer receiving it in
like manner as provided for other fines and moneys collected under a sentence
of a summary court-martial. Notwithstanding any other law, a fine or penalty
imposed by a military court upon an officer or enlisted person shall be paid by
the officer collecting it within 30 days to the State Treasurer and shall be
deposited in the General Fund in the State Treasury, to be available for
general governmental expenses. [1961 c.454 §204; 1963 c.169 §7]
398.412 Immunity for action of military
courts. No action or proceeding may be
prosecuted against the convening authority or a member of a military court or
officer or person acting under its authority or reviewing its proceedings
because of the approval, imposition, or execution of any sentence or the
imposition or collection of a fine or penalty, or the execution of any process
of a military court. [1961 c.454 §205; 1981 c.178 §14]
398.414 Presumption of jurisdiction.
The jurisdiction of the military courts and boards established by this chapter
shall be presumed and the burden of proof rests on any person seeking to oust
those courts or boards of jurisdiction in any action or proceeding. [1961 c.454
§206]
398.416 Delegation of authority by
Governor. The Governor may delegate any authority
vested in the Governor under this chapter, and may provide for the
subdelegation of any such authority, except with respect to the power given the
Governor by ORS 398.112, 398.118 and 398.126. [1961 c.454 §207; 1985 c.682 §52;
2005 c.512 §40]
398.418 Payment of expenses.
The Adjutant General shall have authority to pay all expenses incurred in the
administration of state military justice from any fund appropriated to the
Oregon Military Department. [1985 c.682 §12; 1989 c.360 §11]
398.420 Armed Forces Court of Appeals for
Oregon. (1) There is established within the
Oregon Military Department the Armed Forces Court of Appeals for Oregon.
(2)
The court shall have exclusive jurisdiction over appeals properly brought under
this chapter and ORS chapters 396 and 399.
(3)
The Adjutant General shall appoint three persons who shall serve as judges on
the court. The persons appointed shall serve without compensation.
(4)
One person shall be Chief Judge and two persons shall be Associate Judges. The
Chief Judge shall be selected by the three judges. The selection shall be
subject to the approval of the Adjutant General.
(5)(a)
Appointments shall be for a term of six years, except that the initial
appointments of the judges shall be for the following terms:
(A)
One judge shall serve a two-year term.
(B)
One judge shall serve a four-year term.
(C)
One judge shall serve a six-year term.
(b)
The term of office of any successor judges shall be six years, but any judge
appointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration of the term for
which the judge’s predecessor was appointed shall be appointed only for the
unexpired term of the predecessor.
(c)
Any person appointed to a full or partial term on the court, unless otherwise
disqualified, shall be eligible for reappointment.
(6)
A person is eligible for appointment to the court if the person:
(a)
Is a member of the Oregon State Bar and admitted to practice before the highest
court of this state;
(b)
Is a former commissioned officer of the Armed Forces of the United States or
the reserve components, or is a former or current member of the Oregon State
Defense Force; and
(c)
Has at least:
(A)
Five years’ experience as an officer in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps; or
(B)
Fifteen years’ experience in the Judge Advocate Branch of the Oregon State
Defense Force.
(7)
Judges of the court may be removed by the Adjutant General, upon notice and
hearing, for neglect of duty or malfeasance in office or for mental or physical
disability, but for no other cause.
(8)
If a judge of the court is temporarily unable to perform the judge’s duties due
to mental or physical disability, the Adjutant General may designate another
person eligible for appointment to the court to fill the office for the period
of disability.
(9)
The Oregon Military Department shall be responsible for reimbursement and
funding of all usual travel and per diem expenses of the judges.
(10)
The Adjutant General shall adopt regulations to govern appellate procedure
before the court. The regulations shall be substantially similar to the
provisions for post-trial procedure and review of courts-martial under the
Uniform Code of Military Justice.
(11)
A party aggrieved by a decision of the Armed Forces Court of Appeals for Oregon
may petition the Supreme Court of this state for review within 35 days after
the date of the decision, in the manner provided by rules of the Supreme Court.
[2005 c.512 §29; 2009 c.345 §2]
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