Opinion ID: 615944
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: 3 Whether NJP Requires a Finding of Scienter

Text: [S]cienter ... is a traditional requirement of criminal liability.... Noriega-Perez v. United States, 179 F.3d 1166, 1173 (9th Cir.1999). Thus, if a punishment requires a finding of scienter, it is more likely to be criminal, rather than civil, in nature. Id. NJP does not require a finding of scienter. Although NJP may result from offenses that include a scienter requirement, a commanding officer may impose NJP regardless of the defendant's state of mind. See 10 U.S.C. § 815; MCM, pt. IV, ¶¶ 16 (failure to obey order or regulation), 59 (conduct unbecoming an officer and gentleman). Reveles' particular situation confirms this, since a finding of intent was apparently not required to issue NJP for his infraction. This factor weighs against considering NJP to be criminal in nature.