Convicted of brutally murderous act, Ulan-Udenz receives 11-year sentence in penitentiary.
Servicing the System: How Military Service Shifts the Punishment for Accessories
John, the accomplice in that scandalous crime, skated by without punishment, all thanks to his military service.
The Military's Iron Fist
The military's legal system, known as the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), takes a no-nonsense approach when it comes to accessories after the fact. This antiquated justice system explicitly penalizes those who intentionally aid or abet individuals who have committed military offenses, even if they haven't committed the crime themselves.
Article 78: The Accomplice's Nightmare
Under Article 78 of the UCMJ, if John knew about Johnnie's crime, and intentionally helped Johnnie avoid consequences by protecting, sheltering, destroying evidence, or keeping quiet about it, he would face charges akin to those of the original offender.
In the military's eyes, John's actions, or well, lack of actions, betray loyalty and discipline, making it a serious breach that threatens the integrity of the armed forces.
Civilian Law: A Softer Approach
In contrast, civilian legal systems also punish accomplices through doctrines like aiding and abetting. But the difference lies in the military's emphasis on assistance after a crime has taken place. In the military context, it's crucial to report and not shelter offenders.
That's not to say that civilian law takes a soft approach. In the U.S., those who aid or abet criminal offenses are punished just as harshly as those who commit the crime itself.
The Verdict: A Strict Service
The military's legal system takes a harsher stance on accessories than some civilian systems, reflecting the unique needs and demands of military law. It's a strict service, and it seems they mean it when they say 'loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage.'
People who aid or abet military crimes, such as John, can face severe consequences due to the military's strict stance on accessories. This is in contrast to civilian law, where aiding and abetting still leads to penalties, but the focus is more on before and during the commission of the crime. The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) emphasizes the importance of reporting offenders and discourages sheltering them, a culture that sets the military's legal system apart.
