| Non-judicial punishment (NJP) is a command leadership | | | | form of discipline and demanding a court martial |
| tool. It gives military commanders a quick means of | | | | should be done with extreme caution. Before turning |
| maintaining good order and discipline. NJP is intended | | | | down NJP, the accused must be fully advised of the |
| to efficiently correct misconduct at a relatively low | | | | serious, long-term consequences that may occur as a |
| level without the stigma of a federal conviction. This | | | | result of a court martial. If a service members |
| proceeding does not constitute a criminal conviction. | | | | rejects non judicial punishment, the command may |
| The majority of crimes that occur in the military are | | | | take the servicemember to trial. Conviction at trial will |
| dealt with by using this method of disposition. Before | | | | result in a Federal Conviction. |
| imposing non-judicial punishment, the commander | | | | Punishments vary based on the rank of the accused. |
| must notify the accused member of the charges and | | | | Generally, punishments include: reduction in rank |
| provide him or her with supporting evidence. The | | | | (enlisted only), forfeiture of up to two-thirds of a |
| service member may then seek legal advice. The | | | | month's pay per month for two months, restriction, |
| service member can choose to accept the NJP or | | | | extra duty, and a reprimand. The maximum |
| refuse it and demand a trial by courts martial. | | | | punishment varies based on the rank of the officer |
| It is crucial that a service member seek expert legal | | | | imposing the punishment; the higher the rank, the |
| advice before the proceedings. Turning down this | | | | greater the punishment. |