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Proceeding contribution from Gerald Howarth (Conservative) in the House of Commons on Monday, 12 December 2005. It occurred during Debate on bill on Armed Forces Bill.


Armed Forces Bill

I am extremely grateful to the Secretary of State. If, in the heat of battle, the commanding officer dismisses a case—he knows the man, he knows the circumstances and he can see that there is no case to answer—and if subsequently it is perceived that that was a wrong decision which was entirely without foundation, in the present circumstances the case would have to be dealt with by the civilian courts. Why not leave it to the director of service prosecutions, on the basis of information laid by authority, to deal with the matter within the service, still leaving the commanding officer with the latitude to deal summarily with a difficult case?


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
440 c1141 
Session
2005-06
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
Subjects
Complaints Disciplinary proceedings Criminal investigation Discipline Appeals Crime Courts Administration of justice Armed forces Armed conflict Courts martial Civilians Inquiries Jurisdiction Homicide Dismissal Powers Prosecutions Military police Officers Military law Standards Low flying Sentencing Trials Service Civilian Court
Legislation
Armed Forces Bill 2005-06
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk