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Show HILL TOP TIMES Fridoy, Jonuory 18, 1985 The 'Code' governs By Col. R.R. OO-AL- a unique society the world, defend our system of criminal justice by stating, "Military justice is the system of law that is most protective of the individual of any in the civilized world." Mr. Belli further demonstrates his high regard for military justice when he unequivocally states, "If I were to be tried on a criminal charge and had my choice of forum, I 'd pick a military court, a military judge and a military jury of officers." He also found the administration of military justice in the war zone to be "the type of justice, painstaking and excellent, without exception." I will, in the next article, outline why I believe our brand of criminal justice is in many respects superior to others. Semeta Staff Judge Advocate C Editor's Note: This is the second in a series of articles on the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Its purpose is to educate and train military members to understand how the criminal justice system works. In the first article, the purpose and reason for the Code were discussed. We are a unique society governed by our own code. The Supreme Court once pointedly observed, "An Army is not a deliberative body.. .its law is one of obedience. No question can be left open as to the right of command in the officer or the duty of obedience in the soldier." Each of us plays an active and vital part in the military community. The law is only as good as the people it governs. If everybody in this country one day decided to violate laws no police force on earth could stop them. We cannot act or behave like dis- q defense posture and ensure national security. But our administration of military justice must be fair and evenhanded. That's what the conflict is all about between our system and theirs democracy and dictatorship. In our preoccupation with discipline, readiness and national security, we cannot forget that justice distinguishes our system from theirs. Our men and women sworn to defend our system, with their lives, if necessary, must be convinced that our system, including the code governing their conduct, is far superior and worth defending. What's at stake The very existence of our way of life is threatened by what President Reagan has described as an "evil empire." The United States and the Soviet Union are joined in an ideological struggle of epic proportions. And the present nuclear stalemate threatens to turn the present anxiety into global Armaged don. Today as never before in human history, we must be steadfast and hold the line against forces threatening our very existence. Holding the line now is not any easier than it was in ancient times against the barbarian hordes. At stake are the most cherished human aspirations of Pacts freedom, liberty and justice. The Soviet-leare implacably set on world conquest and destruction of our society. Their aims and thrust are as vigorous and immoral and as unrelenting as that of the barbarians. To meet this threat, we must have a highly disciplined, strong and coherent modern military power able to withstand their capability to interested bystanders. All of us have a lot at stake. A disciplined force is our life insurance policy. So play your part with vigor and dedication. Commanders cannot tolerate breaches of discipline but must take swift and appropriate punitive or corrective measures against offenders. Officers and enlisted personnel selected for duty as members of courts-marticannot avoid or shirk this important responsibility. They should be proud of their selection because only the best qualified by reason of age, education, training and experience, length of service, and judicial temperament are selected for this duty. Likewise, members who witness a crime must promptly report it to the proper authorities and testify when asked to do so. The military justice system is only as good and fair as we make it. We have a head start. The system is not perfect, but it's the best criminal justice system in the world. Celebrated attorneys such as Melvin Belli, who has tried military cases all over al d attack. The ultimate purpose of our code still is enforce- ment of military discipline designed to strengthen n JANUARY Best-KeSecret Ogden's Occasion is a Special Occasion at Ye Lion 's Den! pt We now have banquet facilities for groups of 72 CLEARANCE Every Reservations Suggested Monday thru Friday Friday 1 & JSMm on SALE! Not a Private Club Dine 399-580- 4 Saturday L-Ian- at the Den DINNER: Monday thru 1:30-2:00- . 5:00-10.30- Sunday ; Thursday 1:00-7:0- 5:00-9:30- ; 0 Omn I fti 2 Week Delivery V . fit 3 3607 Washington Blvd., Ogden Diet Center Works! ! 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