SFJAG FAQ

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Star Fleet JAG Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Where is SFJAG Headquarters

SFJAG HQ is based on SB Alpha, with shoreside facilities in the San Francisco and Marseille, France campuses. Furthermore, each capital Starbase is assigned a Divisional Starbase Officer (DSO), typically a Captain, who along with their staff execute the SFUCMJ for all Star Fleet units attached to that Star Base. For more details on the organizational structure, visit SFJAG Table of Organization

What type of ‘cases’ does the SFJAG preside over?

General courts-martial:

This is the most serious form of military judicial proceeding. Facing a general court-martial is much like facing a felony charge in civilian court. The SFUCMJ requires hearings and presentation of evidence following an investigation.

Special courts-martial:

These courts are convened to handle the equivalent of civilian misdemeanor offenses such as certain drug crimes. While not as serious as general courts-martial, a special court-martial can hand down significant punishments, including confinement for up to one year, forfeitures, reduction in rank and a bad-conduct discharge.

Summary courts-martial:

Minor charges and accusations are often resolved through summary courts-martial. Most often held in lieu of Article 15 NJD proceedings.

Appealing courts-martial:

Just like a person convicted of a crime in a civilian court, a military service member who receives an adverse courts-martial ruling has the right to appeal.

Administrative Separation Board Hearings:

Enlisted personnel have the right to a board hearing if they have at least six years' active duty or are threatened with an other than honorable discharge. The process often begins with a command investigation that looks into alleged misconduct or perceived lack of performance.

Board of Inquiry:

In situations involving officers, the board of inquiry is charged with determining whether alleged misconduct or substandard performance occurred and whether the circumstances justify separation from the service. The board will consist of senior officers and is typically convened after an incident occurs that damages the reputation of the officer or the branch.

Can anyone become a SFJAG officer?

Yes, but the competition for billets can be quite competitive. SFJAG officers are attorneys who have passed the UFP Bar Association exam (or recognized equivalent on a Federation Member world) and received a commission in Star Fleet or the SF Marine Corps via various methods.

We are a Joint Component Command of Star Fleet. The SFJAG Corps represents, and has jurisdiction over all Star Fleet and SF Marine Corps units. Likewise, our teams are comprised of dedicated officers, warrant officers and enlisted personnel from both services. There are other potential career paths available for non-attorneys as well! See “How to join the SFJAG Corps” for more details, then contact your local Star Fleet Recruiter!

Are SFJAG officers line or staff designated?

Neither actually. SFJAG officers are designated Limited Duty Officers (LDO). The term "limited duty" refers not to an LDO's authority, but rather the LDO's career progression and restrictions. In general, they may succeed to command activities which have a primary function corresponding to their Star Fleet officer designator or SF Marine Corps MOS. In this sense, LDO’s are in the middle between Line and Staff officers, not unlike their Warrant Officer brethren who serve in technical roles above Enlisted grades and below the commissioned Officer corps.

Can a higher rank officer give an order to a SFJAG officer.

No, but for a good reason. To ensure the provision of independent legal services, SFJAG officers are not subject to the command of an officer who is not a SFJAG officer, regardless of rank. In this way, SFJAG officers cannot be intimidated, influenced or otherwise coerced by another officer with regards to the outcome of a pending case. SFJAG officers can operate free from undue influence or conflicts of interest; exercise legal authority to make credibility determinations and findings of fact; be an objective, impartial, inquisitive, unbiased, fair and truth-seeking in their respective roles.

Regulations do allow for extreme exceptions, for example, in combat situations and/or on star ships when the order(s) given have no bearing or relationship to a pending case. SFJAG officers will otherwise follow proper protocols and courtesies when engaging with a superior officer.

Is a SFJAG officer, Legal Services Officer and Legal Services Specialist all the same?

No, not quite.

• A SFJAG officer is a commissioned officer from either branch and also a practicing attorney per the UFP Bar Association.
• A Legal Services Officer administers legal services in military law, provides administrative and technical assistance in courts martial, investigations, administrative boards and personal affairs.
• A Legal Services Specialist is an Enlisted Rating for professionals who work under the supervision of attorneys. They provide paralegal support to JAG Officers in all aspects of military law and policy administration.

Is SFJAG the same as SECIS?

No, however they work very close together but are two separate divisions in Star Fleet. In the Star Fleet criminal justice system, the service members are represented by two separate yet equally important groups: The Security and Investigative Service (SFSECIS) who investigate the crime(s), and the SFJAG who defend & prosecute the offenders. These are their stories. Bum bum. Both the COMJAG and DIRSECIS report directly to the CSFO.

Is the Star Fleet Inspector General part of the SFJAG Corps?

No, however just like the Security and Investigative Service (SFSECIS), the SF JAG Corps works jointly with the SFIG on matters presented for hearing and ultimately court-martial.

Works Used:

Portions of this FAQ were adapted into the ASR world from the following sources:

• Canadian Armed Forces Judge Advocate General (JAG)
• United States Marine Corps Judge Advocate Division
• United States Navy Judge Advocate General's Corps

Document History:

350905 - Revised, repurposed the original SFJAG FAQ to Letter From the COMJAG - Michael Dailey