<section xmlns="http://xml.house.gov/schemas/uslm/1.0" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:dcterms="http://purl.org/dc/terms/" style="-uslm-lc:I80" id="id88eb8d25-4ba9-11f0-b6e1-aa7cf1c59be9" identifier="/us/usc/t10/s856"><num value="856">§ 856.</num><heading> Art. 56. Sentencing</heading><subsection style="-uslm-lc:I11" class="indent0" id="id88eb8d26-4ba9-11f0-b6e1-aa7cf1c59be9" identifier="/us/usc/t10/s856/a"><num value="a">(a)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Sentence Maximums</inline>.—</heading><content>The punishment which a court-martial may direct for an offense may not exceed such limits as the President may prescribe for that offense.</content>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I11" class="indent0" id="id88eb8d27-4ba9-11f0-b6e1-aa7cf1c59be9" identifier="/us/usc/t10/s856/b"><num value="b">(b)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Sentence Minimums for Certain Offenses</inline>.—</heading><paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I11" class="indent0" id="id88eb8d28-4ba9-11f0-b6e1-aa7cf1c59be9" identifier="/us/usc/t10/s856/b/1"><num value="1">(1)</num><content> Except as provided in subsection (c) <ref class="footnoteRef" idref="fn002050">1</ref><note type="footnote" id="fn002050"><num>1</num> See References in Text note below.</note> of <ref href="/us/usc/t10/s853a">section 853a of this title</ref> (article 53a), punishment for any offense specified in paragraph (2) shall include dismissal or dishonorable discharge, as applicable.</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I11" class="indent0" id="id88eb8d29-4ba9-11f0-b6e1-aa7cf1c59be9" identifier="/us/usc/t10/s856/b/2"><num value="2">(2)</num><chapeau> The offenses referred to in paragraph (1) are as follows:</chapeau><subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I12" class="indent1" id="id88eb8d2a-4ba9-11f0-b6e1-aa7cf1c59be9" identifier="/us/usc/t10/s856/b/2/A"><num value="A">(A)</num><content> Rape under subsection (a) of <ref href="/us/usc/t10/s920">section 920 of this title</ref> (article 120).</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I12" class="indent1" id="id88eb8d2b-4ba9-11f0-b6e1-aa7cf1c59be9" identifier="/us/usc/t10/s856/b/2/B"><num value="B">(B)</num><content> Sexual assault under subsection (b) of such section (article).</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I12" class="indent1" id="id88eb8d2c-4ba9-11f0-b6e1-aa7cf1c59be9" identifier="/us/usc/t10/s856/b/2/C"><num value="C">(C)</num><content> Rape of a child under subsection (a) of <ref href="/us/usc/t10/s920b">section 920b of this title</ref> (article 120b).</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I12" class="indent1" id="id88eb8d2d-4ba9-11f0-b6e1-aa7cf1c59be9" identifier="/us/usc/t10/s856/b/2/D"><num value="D">(D)</num><content> Sexual assault of a child under subsection (b) of such section (article).</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I12" class="indent1" id="id88eb8d2e-4ba9-11f0-b6e1-aa7cf1c59be9" identifier="/us/usc/t10/s856/b/2/E"><num value="E">(E)</num><content> An attempt to commit an offense specified in subparagraph (A), (B), (C), or (D) that is punishable under <ref href="/us/usc/t10/s880">section 880 of this title</ref> (article 80).</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I12" class="indent1" id="id88eb8d2f-4ba9-11f0-b6e1-aa7cf1c59be9" identifier="/us/usc/t10/s856/b/2/F"><num value="F">(F)</num><content> Conspiracy to commit an offense specified in subparagraph (A), (B), (C), or (D) that is punishable under <ref href="/us/usc/t10/s881">section 881 of this title</ref> (article 81).</content>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I11" class="indent0" id="id88eb8d30-4ba9-11f0-b6e1-aa7cf1c59be9" identifier="/us/usc/t10/s856/c"><num value="c">(c)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Imposition of Sentence.—</inline></heading><paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I12" class="indent1" id="id88eb8d31-4ba9-11f0-b6e1-aa7cf1c59be9" identifier="/us/usc/t10/s856/c/1"><num value="1">(1)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">In general</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>In sentencing an accused under <ref href="/us/usc/t10/s853">section 853 of this title</ref> (article 53), a court-martial shall impose punishment that is sufficient, but not greater than necessary, to promote justice and to maintain good order and discipline in the armed forces, taking into consideration—</chapeau><subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2" id="id88eb8d32-4ba9-11f0-b6e1-aa7cf1c59be9" identifier="/us/usc/t10/s856/c/1/A"><num value="A">(A)</num><content> the nature and circumstances of the offense and the history and characteristics of the accused;</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2" id="id88eb8d33-4ba9-11f0-b6e1-aa7cf1c59be9" identifier="/us/usc/t10/s856/c/1/B"><num value="B">(B)</num><chapeau> the impact of the offense on—</chapeau><clause style="-uslm-lc:I14" class="indent3" id="id88eb8d34-4ba9-11f0-b6e1-aa7cf1c59be9" identifier="/us/usc/t10/s856/c/1/B/i"><num value="i">(i)</num><content> the financial, social, psychological, or medical well-being of any victim of the offense; and</content>
</clause>
<clause style="-uslm-lc:I14" class="indent3" id="id88eb8d35-4ba9-11f0-b6e1-aa7cf1c59be9" identifier="/us/usc/t10/s856/c/1/B/ii"><num value="ii">(ii)</num><content> the mission, discipline, or efficiency of the command of the accused and any victim of the offense;</content>
</clause>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2" id="id88eb8d36-4ba9-11f0-b6e1-aa7cf1c59be9" identifier="/us/usc/t10/s856/c/1/C"><num value="C">(C)</num><chapeau> the need for the sentence—</chapeau><clause style="-uslm-lc:I14" class="indent3" id="id88eb8d37-4ba9-11f0-b6e1-aa7cf1c59be9" identifier="/us/usc/t10/s856/c/1/C/i"><num value="i">(i)</num><content> to reflect the seriousness of the offense;</content>
</clause>
<clause style="-uslm-lc:I14" class="indent3" id="id88eb8d38-4ba9-11f0-b6e1-aa7cf1c59be9" identifier="/us/usc/t10/s856/c/1/C/ii"><num value="ii">(ii)</num><content> to promote respect for the law;</content>
</clause>
<clause style="-uslm-lc:I14" class="indent3" id="id88eb8d39-4ba9-11f0-b6e1-aa7cf1c59be9" identifier="/us/usc/t10/s856/c/1/C/iii"><num value="iii">(iii)</num><content> to provide just punishment for the offense;</content>
</clause>
<clause style="-uslm-lc:I14" class="indent3" id="id88eb8d3a-4ba9-11f0-b6e1-aa7cf1c59be9" identifier="/us/usc/t10/s856/c/1/C/iv"><num value="iv">(iv)</num><content> to promote adequate deterrence of misconduct;</content>
</clause>
<clause style="-uslm-lc:I14" class="indent3" id="id88eb8d3b-4ba9-11f0-b6e1-aa7cf1c59be9" identifier="/us/usc/t10/s856/c/1/C/v"><num value="v">(v)</num><content> to protect others from further crimes by the accused;</content>
</clause>
<clause style="-uslm-lc:I14" class="indent3" id="id88eb8d3c-4ba9-11f0-b6e1-aa7cf1c59be9" identifier="/us/usc/t10/s856/c/1/C/vi"><num value="vi">(vi)</num><content> to rehabilitate the accused; and</content>
</clause>
<clause style="-uslm-lc:I14" class="indent3" id="id88eb8d3d-4ba9-11f0-b6e1-aa7cf1c59be9" identifier="/us/usc/t10/s856/c/1/C/vii"><num value="vii">(vii)</num><content> to provide, in appropriate cases, the opportunity for retraining and return to duty to meet the needs of the service;</content>
</clause>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2" id="id88eb8d3e-4ba9-11f0-b6e1-aa7cf1c59be9" identifier="/us/usc/t10/s856/c/1/D"><num value="D">(D)</num><content> the sentences available under this chapter; and</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2" id="id88eb8d3f-4ba9-11f0-b6e1-aa7cf1c59be9" identifier="/us/usc/t10/s856/c/1/E"><num value="E">(E)</num><content> the applicable sentencing parameters or sentencing criteria set forth in regulations prescribed by the President pursuant to section 539E(e) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022.</content>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I12" class="indent1" id="id88eb8d40-4ba9-11f0-b6e1-aa7cf1c59be9" identifier="/us/usc/t10/s856/c/2"><num value="2">(2)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Application of sentencing parameters in general and special courts-martial.—</inline></heading><subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2" id="id88eb8d41-4ba9-11f0-b6e1-aa7cf1c59be9" identifier="/us/usc/t10/s856/c/2/A"><num value="A">(A)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Requirement to sentence within parameters</inline>.—</heading><content>Except as provided in subparagraph (B), in a general or special court-martial in which the accused is convicted of an offense for which the President has established a sentencing parameter pursuant to section 539E(e) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022, the military judge shall sentence the accused for that offense within the applicable parameter.</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2" id="id88eb8d42-4ba9-11f0-b6e1-aa7cf1c59be9" identifier="/us/usc/t10/s856/c/2/B"><num value="B">(B)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Exception</inline>.—</heading><content>The military judge may impose a sentence outside a sentencing parameter upon finding specific facts that warrant such a sentence. If the military judge imposes a sentence outside a sentencing parameter under this subparagraph, the military judge shall include in the record a written statement of the factual basis for the sentence.</content>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I12" class="indent1" id="id88eb8d43-4ba9-11f0-b6e1-aa7cf1c59be9" identifier="/us/usc/t10/s856/c/3"><num value="3">(3)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Use of sentencing criteria in general and special courts-martial</inline>.—</heading><content>In a general or special court-martial in which the accused is convicted of an offense for which the President has established sentencing criteria pursuant to section 539E(e) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022, the military judge shall consider the applicable sentencing criteria in determining the sentence for that offense.</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I12" class="indent1" id="id88eb8d44-4ba9-11f0-b6e1-aa7cf1c59be9" identifier="/us/usc/t10/s856/c/4"><num value="4">(4)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Offense-based sentencing in general and special courts-martial</inline>.—</heading><content>In announcing the sentence under <ref href="/us/usc/t10/s853">section 853 of this title</ref> (article 53) in a general or special court-martial, the military judge shall, with respect to each offense of which the accused is found guilty, specify the term of confinement, if any, and the amount of the fine, if any. If the accused is sentenced to confinement for more than one offense, the military judge shall specify whether the terms of confinement are to run consecutively or concurrently.</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I12" class="indent1" id="id88eb8d45-4ba9-11f0-b6e1-aa7cf1c59be9" identifier="/us/usc/t10/s856/c/5"><num value="5">(5)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Inapplicability to death penalty</inline>.—</heading><content>Sentencing parameters and sentencing criteria shall not apply to a determination of whether an offense should be punished by death.</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I12" class="indent1" id="id88eb8d46-4ba9-11f0-b6e1-aa7cf1c59be9" identifier="/us/usc/t10/s856/c/6"><num value="6">(6)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Sentence of confinement for life without eligibility for parole.—</inline></heading><subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2" id="id88eb8d47-4ba9-11f0-b6e1-aa7cf1c59be9" identifier="/us/usc/t10/s856/c/6/A"><num value="A">(A)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">In general</inline>.—</heading><content>If an offense is subject to a sentence of confinement for life, a court-martial may impose a sentence of confinement for life without eligibility for parole.</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2" id="id88eb8d48-4ba9-11f0-b6e1-aa7cf1c59be9" identifier="/us/usc/t10/s856/c/6/B"><num value="B">(B)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Term of confinement</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>An accused who is sentenced to confinement for life without eligibility for parole shall be confined for the remainder of the accused’s life unless—</chapeau><clause style="-uslm-lc:I14" class="indent3" id="id88eb8d49-4ba9-11f0-b6e1-aa7cf1c59be9" identifier="/us/usc/t10/s856/c/6/B/i"><num value="i">(i)</num><chapeau> the sentence is set aside or otherwise modified as a result of—</chapeau><subclause style="-uslm-lc:I16" class="indent4" id="id88eb8d4a-4ba9-11f0-b6e1-aa7cf1c59be9" identifier="/us/usc/t10/s856/c/6/B/i/I"><num value="I">(I)</num><content> action taken by the convening authority or the Secretary concerned; or</content>
</subclause>
<subclause style="-uslm-lc:I16" class="indent4" id="id88eb8d4b-4ba9-11f0-b6e1-aa7cf1c59be9" identifier="/us/usc/t10/s856/c/6/B/i/II"><num value="II">(II)</num><content> any other action taken during post-trial procedure or review under any other provision of subchapter IX of this chapter;</content>
</subclause>
</clause>
<clause style="-uslm-lc:I14" class="indent3" id="id88eb8d4c-4ba9-11f0-b6e1-aa7cf1c59be9" identifier="/us/usc/t10/s856/c/6/B/ii"><num value="ii">(ii)</num><content> the sentence is set aside or otherwise modified as a result of action taken by a court of competent jurisdiction; or</content>
</clause>
<clause style="-uslm-lc:I14" class="indent3" id="id88eb8d4d-4ba9-11f0-b6e1-aa7cf1c59be9" identifier="/us/usc/t10/s856/c/6/B/iii"><num value="iii">(iii)</num><content> the accused receives a pardon or another form of Executive clemency.</content>
</clause>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I11" class="indent0" id="id88eb8d4e-4ba9-11f0-b6e1-aa7cf1c59be9" identifier="/us/usc/t10/s856/d"><num value="d">(d)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Appeal of Sentence by the United States</inline>.—</heading><paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I11" class="indent0" id="id88eb8d4f-4ba9-11f0-b6e1-aa7cf1c59be9" identifier="/us/usc/t10/s856/d/1"><num value="1">(1)</num><chapeau> With the approval of the Judge Advocate General concerned, and consistent with standards and procedures set forth in regulations prescribed by the President, the Government may appeal a sentence to the Court of Criminal Appeals, on the grounds that—</chapeau><subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I12" class="indent1" id="id88eb8d50-4ba9-11f0-b6e1-aa7cf1c59be9" identifier="/us/usc/t10/s856/d/1/A"><num value="A">(A)</num><content> the sentence violates the law;</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I12" class="indent1" id="id88eb8d51-4ba9-11f0-b6e1-aa7cf1c59be9" identifier="/us/usc/t10/s856/d/1/B"><num value="B">(B)</num><content> in the case of a sentence for an offense for which the President has established a sentencing parameter pursuant to section 539E(e) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022, the sentence is a result of an incorrect application of the parameter; or</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I12" class="indent1" id="id88eb8d52-4ba9-11f0-b6e1-aa7cf1c59be9" identifier="/us/usc/t10/s856/d/1/C"><num value="C">(C)</num><content> the sentence is plainly unreasonable.</content>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I11" class="indent0" id="id88eb8d53-4ba9-11f0-b6e1-aa7cf1c59be9" identifier="/us/usc/t10/s856/d/2"><num value="2">(2)</num><content> An appeal under this subsection must be filed within 60 days after the date on which the judgment of a court-martial is entered into the record under <ref href="/us/usc/t10/s860c">section 860c of this title</ref> (article 60c).</content>
</paragraph>
</subsection>
<sourceCredit id="id88eb8d54-4ba9-11f0-b6e1-aa7cf1c59be9">(<ref href="/us/act/1956-08-10/ch1041">Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041</ref>, <ref href="/us/stat/70A/56">70A Stat. 56</ref>; <ref href="/us/pl/113/66/dA/tXVII/s1702/a/1">Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title XVII, § 1702(a)(1)</ref>, (2)(A), <date date="2013-12-26">Dec. 26, 2013</date>, <ref href="/us/stat/127/959">127 Stat. 959</ref>; <ref href="/us/pl/114/328/dE/tLVIII/s5301/a">Pub. L. 114–328, div. E, title LVIII, § 5301(a)</ref>, <date date="2016-12-23">Dec. 23, 2016</date>, <ref href="/us/stat/130/2919">130 Stat. 2919</ref>; <ref href="/us/pl/115/91/dA/tV/s531/e">Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title V, § 531(e)</ref>, <date date="2017-12-12">Dec. 12, 2017</date>, <ref href="/us/stat/131/1385">131 Stat. 1385</ref>; <ref href="/us/pl/117/81/dA/tV/s539E/c">Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title V, § 539E(c)</ref>, title X, § 1081(a)(14), <date date="2021-12-27">Dec. 27, 2021</date>, <ref href="/us/stat/135/1701">135 Stat. 1701</ref>, 1920.)</sourceCredit>
<notes type="uscNote" id="id88eb8d55-4ba9-11f0-b6e1-aa7cf1c59be9">
<note topic="historicalAndRevision" id="id88eb8d56-4ba9-11f0-b6e1-aa7cf1c59be9">
<table xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" class="HNR" width="50%" style="border-collapse:collapse;  border-bottom:1px solid black; -uslm-lc: c3,L2,tp7,s10,xls80,xs80,tp7,s10,xls80,xs80; " id="id88eb8d57-4ba9-11f0-b6e1-aa7cf1c59be9">
<colgroup>
<col style="min-width: 38pt;"/>
<col style="width:84pt ; max-width:84pt;"/>
<col style="width:84pt ; max-width:84pt;"/>
</colgroup>
<thead>
<tr class="title" style="font-size:7pt; border-bottom:1px solid black; -uslm-lc:I95;">
<th colspan="3">
<p style=""><span style="font-variant:small-caps">Historical and Revision Notes</span></p></th>
</tr>
<tr class="header" style="font-size:6pt; border-bottom:1px solid black;  border-top:1px solid black; -uslm-lc:h1;">
<th style="min-width: 38.0pt; text-align:center; vertical-align:middle; border-right:1px solid black;"><p style=" text-align:center;"><i>Revised section</i></p></th><th style="width:84.0pt ; max-width:84.0pt; text-align:center; vertical-align:middle; border-right:1px solid black; border-left:1px solid black;"><p style=" text-align:center;"><i>Source (U.S. Code)</i></p></th><th style="width:84.0pt ; max-width:84.0pt; text-align:center; vertical-align:middle; border-left:1px solid black;"><p style=" text-align:center;"><i>Source (Statutes at Large)</i></p></th></tr>
</thead>
<tbody style="line-height:7pt; font-size:6pt;">
<tr style="border-top:1px solid black; -uslm-lc:I01;"><td style=" text-align:left; vertical-align:top; border-right:1px solid black; padding-right:2pt;"><p style=" text-align:left; text-indent: -1em; padding-left:1em;" class="leaders"><span>856</span></p></td><td style=" text-align:left; vertical-align:top; border-right:1px solid black; border-left:1px solid black; padding-right:2pt; padding-left: 2pt;"><p style=" text-align:left; text-indent: -1em; padding-left:1em;">50:637.</p></td><td style=" text-align:left; vertical-align:top; border-left:1px solid black; padding-left: 2pt;"><p style=" text-align:left; text-indent: -1em; padding-left:1em;"><a href="/us/act/1950-05-05/ch169/s1">May 5, 1950, ch. 169, § 1</a> (Art. 56), <a href="/us/stat/64/126">64 Stat. 126</a>.</p></td></tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">The word “may” is substituted for the word “shall”.</p>
</note>
<note style="-uslm-lc:I74" role="crossHeading" topic="editorialNotes" id="id88eb8d58-4ba9-11f0-b6e1-aa7cf1c59be9"><heading class="centered"><b>Editorial Notes</b></heading></note>
<note style="-uslm-lc:I75" topic="referencesInText" id="id88eb8d59-4ba9-11f0-b6e1-aa7cf1c59be9">
<heading class="centered smallCaps">References in Text</heading><p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">Subsection (c) of <ref href="/us/usc/t10/s853a">section 853a of this title</ref>, referred to in subsec. (b)(1), was redesignated subsec. (d) of <ref href="/us/usc/t10/s853a">section 853a of this title</ref> by <ref href="/us/pl/117/81/dA/tV/s539E/b/1">Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title V, § 539E(b)(1)</ref>, <date date="2021-12-27">Dec. 27, 2021</date>, <ref href="/us/stat/135/1701">135 Stat. 1701</ref>.</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">Section 539E(e) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022, referred to in subsecs. (c)(1)(E), (2)(A), (3), (d)(1)(B), is <ref href="/us/pl/117/81/s539E/e">section 539E(e) of Pub. L. 117–81</ref>, which is set out as a note below.</p>
</note>
<note style="-uslm-lc:I74" topic="amendments" id="id88eb8d5a-4ba9-11f0-b6e1-aa7cf1c59be9"><heading class="centered smallCaps">Amendments</heading><p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">2021—Subsec. (b)(1). <ref href="/us/pl/117/81/s1081/a/14">Pub. L. 117–81, § 1081(a)(14)</ref>, substituted “subsection (c) of section 853a” for “subsection (d) of section 853a”.</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">Subsec. (c)(1)(E). <ref href="/us/pl/117/81/s539E/c/1/A">Pub. L. 117–81, § 539E(c)(1)(A)</ref>, added subpar. (E).</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">Subsec. (c)(2) to (6). <ref href="/us/pl/117/81/s539E/c/1/B">Pub. L. 117–81, § 539E(c)(1)(B)</ref>, added pars. (2) to (6) and struck out former pars. (2) to (4) which related to sentencing by military judge, sentencing by members, and sentence of confinement for life without eligibility for parole, respectively.</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">Subsec. (d)(1)(B). <ref href="/us/pl/117/81/s539E/c/4/C">Pub. L. 117–81, § 539E(c)(4)(C)</ref>, added subpar. (B). Former subpar. (B) redesignated (C).</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">Subsec. (d)(1)(C). <ref href="/us/pl/117/81/s539E/c/4/D">Pub. L. 117–81, § 539E(c)(4)(D)</ref>, struck out “, as determined in accordance with standards and procedures prescribed by the President” after “unreasonable”.</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><ref href="/us/pl/117/81/s539E/c/4/A">Pub. L. 117–81, § 539E(c)(4)(A)</ref>, (B), redesignated subpar. (B) as (C).</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">2017—Subsec. (d)(1). <ref href="/us/pl/115/91/s531/e/1">Pub. L. 115–91, § 531(e)(1)</ref>, inserted “and consistent with standards and procedures set forth in regulations prescribed by the President,” after “concerned,” in introductory provisions.</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">Subsec. (d)(1)(B). <ref href="/us/pl/115/91/s531/e/2">Pub. L. 115–91, § 531(e)(2)</ref>, inserted “, as determined in accordance with standards and procedures prescribed by the President” before period at end.</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">2016—<ref href="/us/pl/114/328">Pub. L. 114–328</ref> amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section related to maximum and minimum sentencing limits.</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">2013—<ref href="/us/pl/113/66">Pub. L. 113–66</ref> substituted “Maximum and minimum limits” for “Maximum limits” in section catchline, designated existing provisions as subsec. (a), and added subsec. (b).</p>
</note>
<note style="-uslm-lc:I74" role="crossHeading" topic="statutoryNotes" id="id88eb8d5b-4ba9-11f0-b6e1-aa7cf1c59be9"><heading class="centered"><b>Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries</b></heading></note>
<note style="-uslm-lc:I74" topic="effectiveDateOfAmendment" id="id88eb8d5c-4ba9-11f0-b6e1-aa7cf1c59be9"><heading class="centered smallCaps">Effective Date of 2021 Amendment</heading><p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">Amendment by <ref href="/us/pl/117/81/s539E/c">section 539E(c) of Pub. L. 117–81</ref> effective on the date that is two years after <date date="2021-12-27">Dec. 27, 2021</date>, and applicable to sentences adjudged in cases in which all findings of guilty are for offenses that occurred after the date that is two years after <date date="2021-12-27">Dec. 27, 2021</date>, see <ref href="/us/pl/117/81/s539E/f">section 539E(f) of Pub. L. 117–81</ref>, set out as a note under <ref href="/us/usc/t10/s853">section 853 of this title</ref>.</p>
</note>
<note style="-uslm-lc:I74" topic="effectiveDateOfAmendment" id="id88eb8d5d-4ba9-11f0-b6e1-aa7cf1c59be9"><heading class="centered smallCaps">Effective Date of 2017 Amendment</heading><p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">Amendment by <ref href="/us/pl/115/91">Pub. L. 115–91</ref> effective immediately after the amendments made by div. E (§§ 5001–5542) of <ref href="/us/pl/114/328">Pub. L. 114–328</ref> take effect as provided for in section 5542 of that Act (<ref href="/us/usc/t10/s801">10 U.S.C. 801</ref> note), see <ref href="/us/pl/115/91/s531/p">section 531(p) of Pub. L. 115–91</ref>, set out as a note under <ref href="/us/usc/t10/s801">section 801 of this title</ref>.</p>
</note>
<note style="-uslm-lc:I74" topic="effectiveDateOfAmendment" id="id88eb8d5e-4ba9-11f0-b6e1-aa7cf1c59be9"><heading class="centered smallCaps">Effective Date of 2016 Amendment</heading><p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">Amendment by <ref href="/us/pl/114/328">Pub. L. 114–328</ref> effective on <date date="2019-01-01">Jan. 1, 2019</date>, as designated by the President, with implementing regulations and provisions relating to applicability to various situations, see <ref href="/us/pl/114/328/s5542">section 5542 of Pub. L. 114–328</ref> and Ex. Ord. No. 13825, set out as notes under <ref href="/us/usc/t10/s801">section 801 of this title</ref>.</p>
</note>
<note style="-uslm-lc:I74" topic="effectiveDateOfAmendment" id="id88eb8d5f-4ba9-11f0-b6e1-aa7cf1c59be9"><heading class="centered smallCaps">Effective Date of 2013 Amendment</heading><p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">Amendment by <ref href="/us/pl/113/66">Pub. L. 113–66</ref> effective 180 days after <date date="2013-12-26">Dec. 26, 2013</date>, and applicable to offenses specified in subsec. (b)(2) of this section committed on or after that date, see <ref href="/us/pl/113/66/s1705/c">section 1705(c) of Pub. L. 113–66</ref>, set out as a note under <ref href="/us/usc/t10/s818">section 818 of this title</ref>.</p>
</note>
<note style="-uslm-lc:I74" topic="miscellaneous" id="id88eb8d60-4ba9-11f0-b6e1-aa7cf1c59be9"><heading class="centered smallCaps">Establishment of Sentencing Parameters and Sentencing Criteria</heading><p><ref href="/us/pl/117/81/dA/tV/s539E/e">Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title V, § 539E(e)</ref>, <date date="2021-12-27">Dec. 27, 2021</date>, <ref href="/us/stat/135/1704">135 Stat. 1704</ref>, provided that:<quotedContent origin="/us/pl/117/81/dA/tV/s539E/e">
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="1">“(1)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">In general</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this Act [<date date="2021-12-27">Dec. 27, 2021</date>], the President shall prescribe regulations establishing sentencing parameters and sentencing criteria related to offenses under chapter 47 of title 10, United States Code (the Uniform Code of Military Justice), in accordance with this subsection. Such parameters and criteria—</chapeau><subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="A">“(A)</num><content> shall cover sentences of confinement; and</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="B">“(B)</num><content> may cover lesser punishments, as the President determines appropriate.</content>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="2">“(2)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Sentencing parameters</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>Sentencing parameters established under paragraph (1) shall—</chapeau><subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="A">“(A)</num><chapeau> identify a delineated sentencing range for an offense that is appropriate for a typical violation of the offense, taking into consideration—</chapeau><clause style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="i">“(i)</num><content> the severity of the offense;</content>
</clause>
<clause style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="ii">“(ii)</num><content> the guideline or offense category that would apply to the offense if the offense were tried in a United States district court;</content>
</clause>
<clause style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="iii">“(iii)</num><content> any military-specific sentencing factors;</content>
</clause>
<clause style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="iv">“(iv)</num><content> the need for the sentencing parameter to be sufficiently broad to allow for individualized consideration of the offense and the accused; and</content>
</clause>
<clause style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="v">“(v)</num><content> any other relevant sentencing guideline.</content>
</clause>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="B">“(B)</num><content> include no fewer than 5 and no more than 12 offense categories;</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="C">“(C)</num><content> assign such offense under this chapter [probably should be “chapter 47 of title 10, United States Code (the Uniform Code of Military Justice)”] to an offense category unless the offense is identified as unsuitable for sentencing parameters under paragraph (4)(F)(ii); and</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="D">“(D)</num><content> delineate the confinement range for each offense category by setting an upper confinement limit and a lower confinement limit.</content>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="3">“(3)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Sentencing criteria</inline>.—</heading><content>Sentencing criteria established under paragraph (1) shall identify offense-specific factors the military judge should consider and any collateral effects of available punishments that may aid the military judge in determining an appropriate sentence when there is no applicable sentencing parameter for a specific offense.</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="4">“(4)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Military sentencing parameters and criteria board.—</inline></heading><subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="A">“(A)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">In general</inline>.—</heading><content>There is established within the Department of Defense a board, to be known as the ‘Military Sentencing Parameters and Criteria Board’ (referred to in this subsection as the ‘Board’).</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="B">“(B)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Voting members</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>The Board shall have 5 voting members, as follows:</chapeau><clause style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="i">“(i)</num><content> The 4 chief trial judges designated under <ref href="/us/usc/t10/s826/g">section 826(g) of title 10</ref>, United States Code (article 26(g) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), except that, if the chief trial judge of the Coast Guard is not available, the Judge Advocate General of the Coast Guard may designate as a voting member a judge advocate of the Coast Guard with substantial military justice experience.</content>
</clause>
<clause style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="ii">“(ii)</num><content> A trial judge of the Navy, designated under regulations prescribed by the President, if the chief trial judges designated under <ref href="/us/usc/t10/s826/g">section 826(g) of title 10</ref>, United States Code (article 26(g) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), do not include a trial judge of the Navy.</content>
</clause>
<clause style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="iii">“(iii)</num><content> A trial judge of the Marine Corps, designated under regulations prescribed by the President, if the chief trial judges designated under <ref href="/us/usc/t10/s826/g">section 826(g) of title 10</ref>, United States Code (article 26(g) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), do not include a trial judge of the Marine Corps.</content>
</clause>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="C">“(C)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Nonvoting members</inline>.—</heading><content>The Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the General Counsel of the Department of Defense shall each designate one nonvoting member of the Board. The Secretary of Defense may appoint one additional nonvoting member of the Board at the Secretary’s discretion.</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="D">“(D)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Chair and vice-chair</inline>.—</heading><content>The Secretary of Defense shall designate one voting member as chair of the Board and one voting member as vice-chair.</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="E">“(E)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Voting requirement</inline>.—</heading><content>An affirmative vote of at least three members is required for any action of the Board under this subsection.</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="F">“(F)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Duties of board</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>The Board shall have the following duties:</chapeau><clause style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="i">“(i)</num><chapeau> As directed by the Secretary of Defense, the Board shall submit to the President for approval—</chapeau><subclause style="-uslm-lc:I24" class="indent3"><num value="I">“(I)</num><content> sentencing parameters for all offenses under chapter 47 of title 10, United States Code (the Uniform Code of Military Justice) (other than offenses that the Board identifies as unsuitable for sentencing parameters in accordance with clause (ii)); and</content>
</subclause>
<subclause style="-uslm-lc:I24" class="indent3"><num value="II">“(II)</num><content> sentencing criteria to be used by military judges in determining appropriate sentences for offenses that are identified as unsuitable for sentencing parameters in accordance with clause (ii).</content>
</subclause>
</clause>
<clause style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="ii">“(ii)</num><chapeau> Identify each offense under chapter 47 of title 10, United States Code (the Uniform Code of Military Justice), that is unsuitable for sentencing parameters. The Board shall identify an offense as unsuitable for sentencing parameters if—</chapeau><subclause style="-uslm-lc:I24" class="indent3"><num value="I">“(I)</num><content> the nature of the offense is indeterminate and unsuitable for categorization; and</content>
</subclause>
<subclause style="-uslm-lc:I24" class="indent3"><num value="II">“(II)</num><content> there is no similar criminal offense under the laws of the United States or the laws of the District of Columbia.</content>
</subclause>
</clause>
<clause style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="iii">“(iii)</num><content> In developing sentencing parameters and criteria, the Board shall consider the sentencing data collected by the Military Justice Review Panel pursuant to <ref href="/us/usc/t10/s946/f/2">section 946(f)(2) of title 10</ref>, United States Code (article 146(f)(2) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice).</content>
</clause>
<clause style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="iv">“(iv)</num><content> In addition to establishing parameters for sentences of confinement under clause (i)(I), the Board shall consider the appropriateness of establishing sentencing parameters for punitive discharges, fines, reductions, forfeitures, and other lesser punishments authorized under chapter 47 of title 10, United States Code (the Uniform Code of Military Justice).</content>
</clause>
<clause style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="v">“(v)</num><chapeau> The Board shall regularly—</chapeau><subclause style="-uslm-lc:I24" class="indent3"><num value="I">“(I)</num><content> review, and propose revision to, in consideration of comments and data coming to the Board’s attention, the sentencing parameters and sentencing criteria prescribed under paragraph (1); and</content>
</subclause>
<subclause style="-uslm-lc:I24" class="indent3"><num value="II">“(II)</num><content> submit to the President, through the Secretary of Defense, proposed amendments to the sentencing parameters and sentencing criteria, together with statements explaining the basis for the proposed amendments.</content>
</subclause>
</clause>
<clause style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="vi">“(vi)</num><content> The Board shall develop means of measuring the degree to which applicable sentencing, penal, and correctional practices are effective with respect to the sentencing factors and policies set forth in this section.</content>
</clause>
<clause style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="vii">“(vii)</num><content> In fulfilling its duties and in exercising its powers, the Board shall consult authorities on, and individual and institutional representatives of, various aspects of the military criminal justice system. The Board may establish separate advisory groups consisting of individuals with current or recent experience in command and in senior enlisted positions, individuals with experience in the trial of courts-martial, and such other groups as the Board deems appropriate.</content>
</clause>
<clause style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="viii">“(viii)</num><content> The Board shall submit to the President, through the Secretary of Defense, proposed amendments to the rules for courts-martial with respect to sentencing proceedings and maximum punishments, together with statements explaining the basis for the proposed amendments.”</content>
</clause>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
</quotedContent>
</p>
</note>
<note style="-uslm-lc:I74" topic="miscellaneous" id="id88eb8d61-4ba9-11f0-b6e1-aa7cf1c59be9"><heading class="centered smallCaps">Guidelines on Sentences for Offenses Committed Under the Uniform Code of Military Justice</heading><p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><ref href="/us/pl/116/92/dA/tV/s537">Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title V, § 537</ref>, <date date="2019-12-20">Dec. 20, 2019</date>, <ref href="/us/stat/133/1363">133 Stat. 1363</ref>, which required the Secretary of Defense to develop nonbinding guidelines on sentences for offenses under chapter 47 of this title, not later than one year after date on which first report of Military Justice Review Panel is submitted to Committees on Armed Services of Senate and House of Representatives pursuant to <ref href="/us/usc/t10/s946/f/5">section 946(f)(5) of this title</ref>, was repealed by <ref href="/us/pl/117/81/dA/tV/s539E/g">Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title V, § 539E(g)</ref>, <date date="2021-12-27">Dec. 27, 2021</date>, <ref href="/us/stat/135/1706">135 Stat. 1706</ref>. See <ref href="/us/pl/117/81/s539E/e">section 539E(e) of Pub. L. 117–81</ref>, set out as a note above.</p>
</note>
<note style="-uslm-lc:I74" role="crossHeading" topic="execDoc" id="id88eb8d62-4ba9-11f0-b6e1-aa7cf1c59be9"><heading class="centered"><b>Executive Documents</b></heading></note>
<note style="-uslm-lc:I86" topic="miscellaneous" id="id88eb8d63-4ba9-11f0-b6e1-aa7cf1c59be9">
<heading class="centered smallCaps">Prescription of Method of Designating a Member of the Military Sentencing Parameters and Criteria Board</heading>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">Memorandum of President of the United States, <date date="2022-06-21">June 21, 2022</date>, 87 F.R. 37971, provided:</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">Memorandum for the Secretary of Defense</p>
<p>By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 539E(e)(4)(B) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022, <ref href="/us/pl/117/81">Public Law 117–81</ref>, <ref href="/us/stat/135/1541">135 Stat. 1541</ref>, 1700 (2021) [set out in a note above], I hereby order as follows:</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">(1) If the chief trial judges designated under article 26(g) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, <ref href="/us/usc/t10/s826/g">10 U.S.C. 826(g)</ref>, do not include a trial judge of the Navy, then the Judge Advocate General of the Navy shall designate as a voting member of the Military Sentencing Parameters and Criteria Board (Board) either the Chief Judge of the Department of the Navy or a Navy trial judge assigned to the Navy and Marine Corps Trial Judiciary.</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">(2) If the chief trial judges designated under article 26(g) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, <ref href="/us/usc/t10/s826/g">10 U.S.C. 826(g)</ref>, do not include a trial judge of the Marine Corps, then the Staff Judge Advocate to the Commandant of the Marine Corps, in consultation with the Judge Advocate General of the Navy, shall designate as a voting member of the Board a Marine Corps trial judge assigned to the Navy and Marine Corps Trial Judiciary.</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">This memorandum constitutes the regulations provided for in subsections (ii) and (iii) of section 539E(e)(4)(B) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022.</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">You are authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register.</p>
<signature>
<name>J.R. Biden, Jr.</name>
</signature>
</note>
</notes>
</section>