Commander/Convening Authority: A Case Study

Beyond the selection of the members who will hear the case, the commander/convening authority has several significant functions during the course of the trial. The convening authority can order depositions to be taken in a pending case. The convening authority approves and authorizes funding for witness travel64 as well as the employment and funding of expert witnesses requested by the prosecution. At the conclusion of the trial, if the accused is found guilty of any offense, the convening authority continues to have significant involvement in the case. Before the case becomes final, the convening authority must approve both the findings and the sentence of the court-martial.

At that time, the convening authority may dismiss any charge or