The military does not have trial-level standing courts, but the actual trial proceeding progresses independently and autonomously once a commander does convene a court-martial.
Sexual assault is a crime that does not pertain to military service, and thus should not be left in the hands of commanders, writes the author of this commentary.
Both House and Senate lawmakers earlier this year backed major changes in how serious crimes are prosecuted, but the proposal still faces hurdles to becoming law.