The Mayer Law Blog

Assessing the Sides of a Sexual Assault Court-Martial

Posted January 4th, 2014

For a moment, let’s assess the teams that exist whenever someone in the military is prosecuted for sexual assault: For Prosecution and Conviction Prosecutor (Trial Counsel) Special Victim Prosecutor Paralegals and other legal assistants in the military justice shop. Investigators/Special Agents/Special Victim Investigators Special (Alleged) Victim Counsel Victim Advocates For the Defense Military Defense Counsel… Read More

The Changes are In

Posted December 20th, 2013

It is official, the UCMJ is changing, and alleged victims of sexual assault will no longer be required to testify at Article 32 hearings, dealing a huge blow to one of the most important tools for military lawyers who defend these types of cases. Via the Washington Post. Congress passed a broad set of changes… Read More

Gillibrand’s Reforms Appear to be Slipping Away

Posted December 9th, 2013

As stated before, military attorneys across the services are watching with great anticipation to see what changes to the Uniform Code of Military Justice will be brought by the latest defense authorization bill. Now, it looks like the more radical reforms will not be considered, as Senator Gillibrand’s bill will fall procedurally short of a… Read More

Insight into British Military Law

Posted December 9th, 2013

If you’ve been following the murder trial in the UK concerning a Royal Marine, it provides an interesting insight into their court-martial system. More information can be found here.

Veterans Courts: A Step In the Right Direction

Posted December 5th, 2013

40 states now have veterans courts as part of their civilian justice systems. These aren’t military courts with military lawyers, but civilian courts with civilian prosecutors and defense attorneys, and they are designed to help those who are still coping with post-service and post-deployment mental and emotional problems. Via WaPo: Former Marine Cpl. Eric Gonzales… Read More

Court-Martial Begins for Former Sexual Assault Response Coordinator

Posted December 3rd, 2013

The last few years have seen some enhanced scrutiny of military sexual assaults and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. This was one of the noteworthy cases that added fuel to the fire, causing congress to move forward this year with radical proposals for UCMJ reform. It was largely overblown and used as an example… Read More

Immigration Law Help

Posted December 3rd, 2013

In addition to military lawyers who help with courts-martial, discharge upgrade, administrative separations, and other obvious military law matters, The Mayer Group provides representation for service members with immigration law issues. Immigration laws disproportionately affect military members, but there are many benefits for service members that are not available to nonmembers. Thankfully, the rules and… Read More

Army To Initiate Discharge Proceedings Against All Convicted Sex Offenders

Posted November 21st, 2013

Yesterday, the Army Times reported the following: The secretary of the Army has issued an order to round up all convicted sex offenders in the service “as soon as possible” and initiate proceedings for their discharge from the Army. The move is part of the Army’s campaign against sex assault in the service. Soldiers convicted… Read More