No charge or specifications may be referred to a general court-martial for trial until a thorough and impartial investigation of all the matters set forth in the charge or specification has been made. The 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.

The accused may be advised of the charges against him and of his right to be represented at that investigation by counsel. Upon his own request he may be represented by civilian counsel if provided by him at his own expense, or military detailed by the officer exercising general court-martial jurisdiction over the command. At that investigation, full opportunity must be given to the accused to cross-examine witnesses against him if they are available and to present anything he may desire in his 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 must be accompanied by a statement of the substance of the testimony taken on both sides and a copy must be given to the accused.

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Terms Used In South Carolina Code 25-1-2670

  • 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.
  • Jurisdiction: (1) The legal authority of a court to hear and decide a case. Concurrent jurisdiction exists when two courts have simultaneous responsibility for the same case. (2) The geographic area over which the court has authority to decide cases.
  • 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.

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 the second paragraph of this section, no further investigation of that charge is necessary under this section unless it is demanded by the accused after he 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 his own behalf.

The requirements of this section are binding on all persons administering this code but failure to follow them does not divest a military court of jurisdiction.

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