Prerequisites: None. However, a working knowledge of U.S. criminal law is assumed.

Exam Type: No Exam

The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) is often viewed as a harsh system of justice. This reading group will explore whether this is the case or if there are ways that adopting aspects of the UCMJ could make civilian criminal law more fair for accused persons. The reading group will focus on three primary areas of comparison: (1) The Article 32 hearing versus the grand jury; (2) The Court Martial versus civilian criminal trials; and (3) Sentencing under the UCMJ versus civilian criminal sentencing. The reading group will be divided into three units, each of which will address one of these comparisons and will consist of two sessions.

The reading group will meet for six two-hour sessions, and participation will be graded credit/fail.

Note: This reading group will meet on the following dates: 2/2, 2/9, 2/16, 3/2, 3/23, and 4/6