Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2026

Abstract

The U.S. military justice system exists to “promote justice, to deter misconduct, to facilitate appropriate accountability, to assist in maintaining good order and discipline in the armed forces, to promote efficiency and effectiveness in the military establishment, and thereby to strengthen the national security of the United States.” It provides for disciplinary and penal sanctions of U.S. military members anywhere in the world. Given the size of the U.S. military and the scope of its operations around the world, the military justice system plays a consequential role in accountability for core international crimes, also known as atrocity crimes. The U.S. military justice system has been subjected to major changes over American history to reflect the country’s values about due process, fair treatment, and the requirements of national security.

Comments

forthcoming chapter in Litigating International Crimes and Human Rights Violations in U.S. Courts (Mark Klamberg, Milena Sterio, Douglas Irvin-Erickson, eds., 2026)

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