APPENDIX III

PUNITIVE ARTICLES OF THE UCMJ

Articles 77 through 134 of the UCMJ are referred to as punitive articles, which cover almost any offense or crime that can be committed. Although Article 77 is defined as a punitive article, it is not punitive in nature. The Manual for Courts-Martial [Part IV, Punitive Articles] contains specific information about each article. You should also consult Part IV of the MCM to obtain the proper specifications used when writing charges for NJP or Courts-Martial proceedings.

You must remember to establish proof that the accused committed the alleged offense. All ELEMENTS of an offense MUST be met before the accused can be charged with the offense. You should refer to the Manual of Courts-Martial (MCM) to establish proof of guilt.

The following chart identifies and briefly discusses each article. For brevity, the word servicemember is used to mean any person subject to the UCMJ, and offense is used to mean a violation punishable by the punitive articles of the UCMJ.