Law Commons^™

Toth V. Quarles -- For Better Or For Worse?, William R. Willis Jr.

Vanderbilt Law Review

In summary, it would appear that the Supreme Court, through the Toth decision, has created a situation that bears a potentiality of injustice and social detriment completely out of proportion to that feared from the provisions in the Uniform Code of Military Justice unhesitatingly declared unconstitutional. If the Court had adopted a practical and realistic approach to the problem, comparing the rights of the individual under both the constitution and military law, and visualizing the problem created by its present decision, the result could have been different. Now, Congress must attempt remedial action and determine the method of cure that …

The Court Of Military Appeals -- Its History, Organization And Operation, Daniel Walker, C. George Niebank

Vanderbilt Law Review

When a civilian "supreme court" for the review of court-martial convictions was first proposed in Congress, it evoked immediate, vociferous and emotional reactions from those most directly concerned with military criminal law. Vigorous opposition came from the traditional militarist, who argued that there was no place for civilians in a military procedure, and that creation of such a court would place unnecessary emphasis on civilian influence. It was said that military effectiveness would be unduly restricted and that the nonmilitary mind would not be able to appreciate fully the military problems often involved in court-martial cases. Some of these officers …

Foreword: Comments By The Court, Robert E. Quinn

Vanderbilt Law Review

The United States Court of Military Appeals has been referred to as the "most vital element" in the reformation and unification of military criminal law brought about by the Uniform Code of Military Justice. It represents a further extension of civilian control over the military--a concept long deemed vital to the American framework of democratic government.

The Court is not faced with an easy task, and no one is more aware of this than the judges themselves. Like all institutions established as a result of reform movements, its activities are subject to close public scrutiny. The work of the Court …