(a) No charge or specification may be referred to a general or special court-martial for trial until a thorough and impartial investigation of all the matters set forth therein has been made. This investigation shall include inquiry as to the truth of the matter set forth in the charges, consideration of the form of charges, and a recommendation as to the disposition which should be made of the case in the interest of justice and discipline.
     (b) The accused shall be advised of the charges against the accused and of the right to be represented at that investigation by counsel. The accused has the right to be represented at that investigation as provided in Article 38 of this Code and in regulations prescribed under that Article. At that investigation, full opportunity shall be given to the accused to cross-examine witnesses against the accused, if they are available, and to present anything the accused may desire in the accused’s own behalf, either in defense or mitigation, and the investigating officer shall examine available witnesses requested by the accused. If the charges are forwarded after the investigation, they shall be accompanied by a statement of the substance of the testimony taken on both sides and a copy thereof shall be given to the accused.

Terms Used In Illinois Compiled Statutes 20 ILCS 1807/32

  • Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
  • Testimony: Evidence presented orally by witnesses during trials or before grand juries.
  • Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.

     (c) If an investigation of the subject matter of an offense has been conducted before the accused is charged with the offense, and if the accused was present at the investigation and afforded the opportunities for representation, cross-examination, and presentation prescribed in subsection (b), no further investigation of that charge is necessary under this Article unless it is demanded by the accused after the accused is informed of the charge. A demand for further investigation entitles the accused to recall witnesses for further cross-examination and to offer any new evidence in the accused’s own behalf.
     (d) If evidence adduced in an investigation under this Article indicates that the accused committed an uncharged offense, the investigating officer may investigate the subject matter of that offense without the accused having first been charged with the offense if the accused:
         (1) is present at the investigation;
         (2) is informed of the nature of each uncharged
    
offense investigated; and
        (3) is afforded the opportunities for representation,
    
cross-examination, and presentation prescribed in subsection (b).
    (e) The requirements of this Article are binding on all persons administering this Code but failure to follow them does not constitute jurisdictional error.