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S. 1644

Article 32 Reform Act

Article 32 Reform Act - Revises requirements relating to an Article 32 investigative hearing under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) to require a judge advocate to conduct a preliminary hearing prior to referring a charge or specification to a general court-martial for trial. Requires such judge advocate to have a grade equal to or higher than the grade of the trial counsel and any defense counsel who is representing the accused at the preliminary hearing. Limits the preliminary hearing to the purpose of determining whether there is probable cause to believe an offense has been committed and whether the accused committed it.

Requires the judge advocate conducting the preliminary hearing to prepare a report that includes: (1) a determination as to the court-martial jurisdiction over the offense and the accused, (2) a determination as to probable cause, (3) a consideration of the form of charges, and (4) a recommendation as to the disposition of the case.

Allows a victim of the alleged offense to decline to testify at the preliminary hearing. Requires the preliminary hearing to be recorded by a court reporter or by a suitable recording device.

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

Sen. Boxer, Barbara [D-CA](D-CA)Sponsor
25 cosponsors14 D11 R
25cosponsors1committees2actions2related bills3subjects
  • Introduced in SenateNov 5, 2013
  1. IntroReferral

    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

  2. IntroReferral10000

    Introduced in Senate

Article 32 Reform Act — Informed