what is the ucmj
The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) is the judicial code which pertains to members of the United States military. Under the UCMJ, soldiers can be charged, tried, and convicted of a range of crimes, including common-law crimes such as arson, and military-specific crimes like desertion. In addition to applying to members of the military, the UCMJ is also applied to prisoners of war held by the United States. Since 1776, the United States has had some form of military code of justice, known initially as the Articles of War.