Military Justice: Oversight and Better Collaboration Needed for Sexual Assault Investigations and Adjudications

Abstract

Sexual assault is a crime that can lead to serious physical, emotional, and psychological consequences for the aggrieved and severe punishment for the accused. The military services' handling of alleged sexual assault incidents is particularly important because it promotes good order and discipline, demonstrates a commitment to accountability, and helps to engender confidence that such allegations are taken seriously. According to judge advocates from each of the military services, the administration of justice in sexual assault cases is often complicated by the limited availability of forensic evidence and by conflicting testimonial accounts by the parties involved. In light of the unique challenges that arise while investigating and adjudicating these types of cases, a vigilant approach is vital in order to help ensure the proper administration of justice and to send the appropriate message to service members regarding sexual assault prevention and response in the military services.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 2011
Accession Number
ADA545783

Entities

Organizations

  • United States Government Accountability Office

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Congress
  • Court Martial
  • Criminal Investigations
  • Deoxyribonucleic Acids
  • Department Of Defense
  • Governments
  • Law
  • Law Enforcement
  • Military Personnel
  • National Security
  • Personnel Management
  • Sexual Assault
  • Sexual Harassment
  • Task Forces
  • United States
  • United States Government
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Government and Public Administration Law.
  • Organizational Psychology.
  • Systems Analysis and Design