What Articles from the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) are in the news today, what are they and what do they mean?

The Uniform Code of Military Justice is part of Title 10, United States Code, an Act of Congress.  Article 1, UCMJ, is found at 10 U. S. Code §801.  The UCMJ sets out the crimes punishable under the UCMJ, the trial procedures, and the appellate procedures for conducting courts-martial and other discipline related matters.  However, you should remember that each of the military services also has regulations that implement the UCMJ.

Article 120, UCMJ.

The Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces issued a decision in United States v. Neal.  This was a decision on an Article 62, UCMJ, prosecution petition.  Article 120, UCMJ, was changed significantly just a few years ago.  As a result there has been quite a bit of litigation on the constitutionality of the new Article.  In particular the issue in Neal is whether the act shifted the burden of proving innocence onto the accused.  Ultimately, CAAF kicks the can down the road a little, but does give some guidance for future cases.

Article 119a, UCMJ.

Everyone is aware of Major Hasan and his shooting rampage at Fort Hood.  One of the female murder victims was pregnant.  A recent change to the UCMJ makes it a crime:

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