Which authority may convene a court martial?

The authority that may convene a court martial is known as the convening authority. This term refers to a designated official who has the legal power to order a court martial to convene, which includes the responsibility for ensuring that the court is properly constituted, determining the type of court martial (summary, special, or general), and overseeing the administration of the proceedings.

In practical terms, this role is often filled by a commanding officer within the military chain of command, but the key point is that the term "convening authority" encompasses anyone authorized to take that action as defined by military law. The convening authority also plays an essential role in ensuring accountability and maintaining good order and discipline within the military.

While the Secretary of Defense and other high-ranking officials can have a hand in overseeing military justice at a broader level, only the designated convening authority is empowered directly to initiate court martial proceedings. The military judge, on the other hand, facilitates the court's processes once assembled but does not have the authority to convene the court.