NMCCA has had a “disparity” week. United States v. Ochoa, is a case addressing a not infrequent issue, sentence/disposition “disparity” between co-accuseds. [A]ppellant’s claim does raise the issue of differences in initial disposition of co-accused, an issue that can be viewed by this court in determining sentence appropriateness under Article…
Court-Martial Trial Practice Blog
In the CAAF
They slipped one through. Last Thursday CAAF granted a petition for a non Fosler case. No. 12-0053/AR. U.S. v. Richard L. EASTON. CCA 20080640. Review granted on the following issue: WHETHER THE ARMY COURT ERRED IN HOLDING THE APPELLANT’S TRIAL DID NOT VIOLATE HIS CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT AGAINST DOUBLE JEOPARDY BECAUSE…
In the Supremes
SCOTUSBlog has put up the courts argument schedule for February and March 2012. There are a couple of cases that may have military practice interest. Wed., Feb. 22: 11-210 — U.S. v. Alvarez – constitutionality of Stolen Valor Act’s criminalization of false claims of receiving a military medal or decoration…
My alibi is . . .
ACC: Sir, I was at the gym, so I wasn’t where this happened. TC: Objection your honor, we’ve received no notice under Mil. R. Evid. 701. MJ: Sustained. DC: Judge we are only offering alibi through the accused. MJ: The objection is sustained, move on counsel. An accused has a…
Up periscope!
Hometown Annapolis reports: Evidence against a midshipman charged with raping a classmate was strong enough to warrant a court-martial, Naval Academy officials said Tuesday. Military.com reports on a rather lugubrious incident at Fort Lee. The Air Force is investigating a photo that appeared online depicting Airmen posing with an open…
Do you use your office
computer to blog, or for other purposes? There is an interesting case going on in the Ninth, United States v. Nosal. The case was recently reconsidered en banc. Howard Bashman at How Appealing quotes an article: Ginny LaRoe of The Recorder has a report (subscription required) that begins, "Toss together…
In the Supremes-Confrontation
The ever excellent Federal Evidence Review has this nice summary and analysis of White v. Illinois. While here they report: Vacating cocaine distribution conviction and remanding because defendant’s trial included expert testimony by a witness about the contents of the drug identification analysis reported by a non-testifying expert, violating the…
Amendments to the MCM
Here is a link to Executive Order 13593, in the Federal Register, dated 13 December 2011, which amends the MCM.
Trial counsel argument
The Army Court of Criminal Appeals issued a Memorandum Opinion on 9 December 2011, in the case of United States v. Perterson. The opinion is worth reading for its discussion of prosecution over-reaching in aggravation witnesses, cross-examination of defense witnesses, and argument. The defense did not object to the prosecution…
Up periscope!
Navy Times has a tally of CO and senior enlisted firings for 2010 - 2011 to date. #2 on the list is CO, RLSO, Japan. Military.com has more on the firing and NJP of: A Navy skipper who lost his command this summer was fired in part for making his…