When an active member of the U.S. Armed Forces is accused of committing a crime, they are typically prosecuted within the military’s own justice system.

Modeled on federal law, the Uniform Code of Military Justice governs the process.

A criminal case in military court plays out much like one in civilian court, though there are some key differences. For example, the military judges, prosecutors and public defenders are specially trained licensed attorneys in active service. They are called judge advocates general, or JAGs.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution asked four former JAGs who now privately defend accused service members in military court to explain how those cases are handled. Here are the takeaways.

The military has jurisdiction over active service members accused of committi

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