Largely no - review is discretionary in most cases, with mandatory review reserved for defined categories such as capital sentences.

Are the judges military officers?

No. The court is composed of civilian judges, which is a deliberate structural feature of the system.

US Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces - Military Justice Appeals

United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces

This court provides civilian appellate review at the top of the military justice system, hearing appeals from the service Courts of Criminal Appeals under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Its review is largely discretionary, and it is composed of civilian judges - an important structural check on the military system.

What it does

Reviews decisions of the service Courts of Criminal Appeals
Decides questions of law under the Uniform Code of Military Justice
Provides civilian oversight of military justice

Matters it hears

Court-martial convictions and sentences
UCMJ interpretation questions
Constitutional issues arising in military justice

Appeals & review

Appeals generally go to Supreme Court of the United States.

Appeal and review deadlines are short and strictly applied. Treat the decision date as the start of a clock.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is review automatic?: Largely no - review is discretionary in most cases, with mandatory review reserved for defined categories such as capital sentences.
Are the judges military officers?: No. The court is composed of civilian judges, which is a deliberate structural feature of the system.

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General information about jurisdiction and process, not legal advice. LegalCounselNearMe is not a law firm and is not affiliated with United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces. Procedures, forms and fees change — the official site is authoritative.