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| <center><big>'''United States Colonial Marines'''</big><br /> | | <center><big>'''United States Colonial Marines Corps'''</big><br />Marine Law<br /></center> |
| <big>Uniform Code of Military Justice</big><br /></center>
| | =Definition= |
| =Laws and Punishments= | |
| ===== Verbiage: =====
| |
| To ensure clarity within this document, certain terms are used for certain things. Here is a small list to help promote clarification.
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| * <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer:'''</span> A whitelisted USCM Commanding Officer. Anything with the words <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span> only applies to Whitelisted USCM Commanding Officers. These rights cannot be transferred.
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| * <span style="color:green">'''Commander:'''</span> The current Commander of this ship. Anything that mentions the <span style="color:green">'''Commander'''</span> also applies to acting Commanders. These rights are transferable to any new Commander, proceeding down the Chain of Command.
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| ** In the event of the Commanding Officer deploying, Commander rights are applied to the next in command (aboard the ship), '''alongside''' the Commanding Officer.
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| * '''MP:''' Military police. These rights also include deputized XO’s, SO’s, or Synthetics who are dealing with Marine Law. These rights cannot be transferred.
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| * '''Officer:''' A person who is commissioned into the USCM and thus Commissioned Officers. These rights cannot be transferred.
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| * For all other roles and mentions, a specific person can be appointed if the specific role is not available, but the chain of command should be followed if possible. This also means these rights are transferable. Only the current <span style="color:green">'''Commander'''</span> may appoint people to a new position.
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| '''Charges:''' Charges are added into an automated computer system, The Jurisdictional Automated System (JAS) decides on a timer depending on the charges selected. The JAS will decide timers fully by itself. For appeals/pardons, see the “Appeal and Pardon” section. | | * The <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span> is an officer appointed by <span style="color:orange">'''High Command'''</span> and detailed to command a vessel, facility, or unit. Their status and powers are therefore not transferable down the chain of command. |
| Brig timers will not exceed 30 minutes unless in the case of a Capital Crime or when crimes are performed while jailed. If a capital crime is committed while jailed the offending person has their time upgraded to the Capital Crime punishment.
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| Anyone employed on a USCM ship is expected to follow all aspects of ML. This means civilians such as the Corporate Liason or Combat Correspondent have to remain respectful. Civillians are considered to be below the current <span style="color:green">'''Commander'''</span> directly.
| | * The <span style="color:green">'''Commander'''</span> is the officer in command and who has possibly succeeded to command. Their status and powers are transferable down the chain of command. |
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| The <span style="color:red">'''CMP'''</span> can only be arrested if approved by the <span style="color:green">'''Commander'''</span> or <span style="color:orange">'''High Command'''</span>. Any MP's can only be arrested if approved by the <span style="color:green">'''Commander'''</span> or <span style="color:red">'''CMP'''</span>. The <span style="color:green">'''Commander'''</span> has the final say.
| | * <span style="color:red">'''Military Police'''</span> are all appointed and deputised personnel detailed to enforce Marine Law. |
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| '''Aiding, abetting, conspiring:''' Assisting others in committing a crime, directly or indirectly, encouraging them to commit one (including bribery), conspiring or attempting to commit a crime will be treated as having committed that crime with regards to punishment.
| | * <span style="color:orange">'''High Command'''</span> is the entity composed of several headquarters units, such as the Provost Office and different battalion, regiment, and division commands, responsible for issuing orders and directives to the <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span>.<br /> |
| | |
| ==Spirit of The Law ==
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| The laws written are meant as intended by their spirit and not necessarily exact wording, should MP's disagree on edge cases the Marine Law rank structure must be followed. <span style="color:orange">'''High Command'''</span> > <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span> > <span style="color:red">'''CMP'''</span> > Warden > MP
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| ==Optional==
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| These can be added on to any existing charge as needed.
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| {| border="1" class="wikitable sortable"
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| ! Charge
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| ! class="unsortable" | Description
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| ! Minor Punishment
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| ! Major Punishment
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| |-
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| | Resisting Arrest
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| | To resist a lawful arrest or search by a Military Police officer.
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| '''Minor:'''
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| * Refusing to go through with a legal Search.
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| '''Major:'''
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| * Resisting a legal arrest by an MP.
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| | <u>Completion of the Search</u>
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| | <u>10 Minutes</u>
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| |-
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| | Aiding and Abetting
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| Assisting others in committing a crime, directly or indirectly, or encouraging them to commit one.
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| Any person Aiding and Abetting is required to be told the crimes of the person they aided.
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| | <u>Same punishment as the crime committed</u>
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| | <u>Same</u>
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| |-
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| | Disorderly Conduct in Confinement
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| To cause disruption in a significant manner while in Brig and under arrest. This can be added on to any charge.
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| '''This offense stacks.'''
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| '''Minor:'''
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| * Breaking a Minor Law while under arrest or in Prison.
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| '''Major:'''
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| * Breaking a Major Law while under arrest or in Prison.
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| | <u>7.5 Minutes</u>
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| | <u>15 Minutes</u>
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| |}
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| ==Variable Crimes==
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| {| border="1" class="wikitable sortable"
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| ! Charge
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| ! class="unsortable" | Description
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| ! Minor Punishment
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| ! Major Punishment
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| | Damage to Government Property
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| Damaging the ship or making any unauthorized modifications to it as outlined in Standard Operating Procedure.
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| * Materials for Repairs should be taken from the Maintenance Storages.
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| '''Minor:'''
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| * Breaking the law in a minor manner includes breaking a window or damaging a wall etc.
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| '''Major:'''
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| * Breaking the law in a major manner includes breaking /dismantling walls or several windows.
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| | <u>Return ship to its exact previous state</u> or <u>7.5 Minutes '''if not possible'''</u>.
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| | <u>10 Minutes</u>
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| |-
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| | Insubordination
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| Failing to follow a lawful order from a superior person of rank or position. Or disrespecting someone of a higher rank or position that is not an officer.
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| * Illegal orders do not need to be followed.
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| '''Minor:'''
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| * An order which is not personally directed at you. Or disrespecting someone of a higher rank or position that is not an officer.
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| '''Major:'''
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| * An order personally directed at a person in question using either their name or clearly communicating its meant for them.
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| | <u>7.5 Minutes</u>
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| | <u>15 Minutes</u>
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| |-
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| | Interference
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| Interfering in a legal arrest being performed.
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| '''Minor:'''
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| * Interfering without ill intent, such as blocking the way or helping someone up.
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| '''Major:'''
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| * Interfering with ill intent or in a clear way to hinder the arrest being performed.
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| | <u>7.5 Minutes</u>
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| | <u>15 Minutes</u>
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| |-
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| | Contraband
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| | Possessing or distributing controlled substances or unauthorized items or weapons as defined in Standard Operating Procedure or impairing, intoxicating or addictive drugs such as Mindbreaker, this does not include custom mixes or dosages of medicinal drugs.
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| '''Minor:'''
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| * Possessing items or weapons from the Area of Operations not authorized by someone with the position of acting Squad Leader and upwards.
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| '''Major:'''
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| * Possessing unauthorized items, weapons, or controlled substances from the ship that are not authorized.
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| | <u>7.5 Minutes</u> and <u>Confiscation of contraband items</u>
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| | <u>15 Minutes</u> and <u>Confiscation of contraband items</u>
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| |}
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| ==Minor Crimes==
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| {| border="1" class="wikitable sortable"
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| ! Charge
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| ! class="unsortable" | Description
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| ! Punishment
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| |-
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| | class="sortable" | Failure to Follow Procedure
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| | Failing to follow the regulations found in the [[Standard Operating Procedure]].
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| | <u>10 Minutes</u> optionally, <u>Equipment Confiscation</u>
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| |-
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| | Hooliganism
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| | Behavior that is generally disruptive to the ship and crew that classifies as low-level shenanigans not deserving of more severe punishment. Things such as excessive window knocking, force-feeding other marines or failing to conduct oneself properly during the briefing, such as climbing the Briefing overview.
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| | <u>NJP</u>
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| | Trespassing
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| | Unauthorized access of an area which a person does not have access to at the beginning of the shift or without command/superior approval.
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| | <u>Escort out of the unauthorized area</u> or <u>7.5 minutes.</u>
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| |-
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| | Intoxication
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| | To consume alcohol or other substances such as alcohol or hallucinogenic drugs resulting in impaired job performance.
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| | <u>10 Minutes</u>
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| |-
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| | Theft
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| | To take items (or property) from another person or entity without their express permission, or to retain possession of items that have been taken without permission. This includes the removal of vendors from department areas without permission.
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| | <u>10 minutes</u> and/or <u>item(s) returned to the owner</u>
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| |-
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| | Disrespecting a superior Officer
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| | Using offensive names or being directly disrespectful to a Commissioned Officer of higher rank or position.
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| | <u>10 Minutes</u>
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| |-
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| | False Testimony
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| | To intentionally and willingly lie to an MP, or deputized officer, during a legal investigation with the intent to disrupt said investigation.
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| | <u>5 Minutes</u>
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| |}
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| ==Major Crimes==
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| {| border="1" class="wikitable sortable"
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| ! Charge
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| ! class="unsortable" | Description
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| ! Punishment
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| |-
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| | Disorderly Conduct
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| |Directly and intentionally disrupting primary operations of the ship. Fighting in the RO line, extensively or repeatedly disrupting the briefing.
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| | <u>10 Minutes</u>
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| |-
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| | Subterfuge
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| |Carrying out objectives or being tied to material that describe planned actions that go against the USCM. Strong proof is required that the individual is working against USCM.
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| | <u>15 Minutes</u> and <u>Termination of ID</u> and <u>Discharge to planet.</u>
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| |-
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| | Neglect of duty
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| | Failure to perform one’s role to an acceptable standard. For example, a <span style="color:green">'''Commander'''</span> failing to properly organize and ensure his personnel are given orders, failing to follow proper procedure in detriment of one’s duties, or ship crew leaving the ship or their post without authorization from the <span style="color:green">'''Commander'''</span> or their Department Head.
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| | <u>15 Minutes</u>
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| |-
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| | Assault
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| | To threaten or use physical force against someone with ill intent, but without intent to kill.
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| | <u>15 Minutes</u>
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| | Prevarication
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| | To intentionally order the arrest of a person on false charges who is then found to be innocent, or to apply an improper or abusive NJP. This includes intentionally arresting a person on false charges, on ones own initiative without orders.
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| | <u>20 Minutes</u>
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| |-
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| | Manslaughter
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| | Killing someone without malicious intent. Manslaughter may be applied if someone dies as a result of a fight where the intent was not to kill.
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| | <u>20 Minutes</u> and/or <u>Demotion</u>
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| | Assault with a deadly weapon
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| | To threaten or use physical force against someone with ill intent and with a lethal weapon such as a sidearm, blade, or rifle but not attempting to murder them.
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| | <u>20 Minutes</u>
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| |-
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| | Illegal Confinement
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| | Unlawfully detaining a person against their will. Includes, kidnapping, hostage-taking, and confining people in cells without charging them for a crime. It does not apply to Prisoners of War.
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| | <u>20 Minutes</u>
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| |-
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| | Cruelty to Animals
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| | Injuring or killing any domestic animal or wild life with malicious intent. Research monkeys used for chemical research, scientific purposes or hostile wildlife are exempt.
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| | <u>30 Minutes</u>
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| |-
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| | Sexual Harassment
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| | Unwelcome sexual advances, verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment from the harassment.
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| | <u>30 Minutes</u> and/or <u>Demotion</u>
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| |-
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| | Misuse of Authority
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| | The exercising of power to a '''malicious extent''' by Military Police or deputized personnel acting as an MP; examples include beating a downed prisoner, excessive use of harmful or non-lethal force, or other abusive actions that led to the harm of a person in custody. Detained suspects should not have more force used on them than necessary in order to pacify them.
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| Force may be used against retaliating or escaping parties only to the point where they are sufficiently pacified.
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| | <u>20 Minutes</u>
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| |-
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| | Unauthorised Deployment
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| | To deploy into the area of operations without permission of the relevant head of department or <span style="color:green">'''Commander'''</span> where appropriate whilst still performing assigned duties. (I.E A doctor deploying without permission, with the intentions to perform field surgery.) Deploying '''without''' intent to perform assigned duties remains desertion.
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| * The relevant Head of Department or the <span style="color:green">'''Commander'''</span> where appropriate may retroactively authorize deployment. The <span style="color:green">'''Commander'''</span> may overrule the Head of Department on this.
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| * The relevant Head of Department or the <span style="color:green">'''Commander'''</span> may designate an alternate person to deploy in the stead of an unauthorized person, in which case MPs should coordinate with the designated person to reduce disruption in the field.
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| ** The maximum delay for this period is five minutes,
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| | <u>10 Minutes</u>
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| |}
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| ==Capital Crimes==
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| {| border="1" class="wikitable sortable"
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| ! Charge
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| ! class="unsortable" | Description
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| ! Punishment
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| | Jailbreak/Escape
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| | To escape, assist in an escape, attempt escape, or be willfully and knowingly broken out from your cell.
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| * This takes precedence over “Unruly Prisoner.”
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| | <u>Permanent Confinement & Demotion</u> or <u>Execution & ID Termination</u>
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| | Attempted Murder
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| | Attempting to murder a person but failing to do so. If the evidence shows that the arrested person was clearly trying to kill someone with ill intent but failed in the action itself.
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| | <u>Permanent Confinement & Demotion</u> or <u>Execution & ID Termination</u>
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| | Murder or Unauthorized Execution
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| | Killing someone with malicious intent. This includes Synthetic units. The charge applies even if the victim is later revived. Executions are only authorized as outlined in the Execution Procedure.
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| | <u>Permanent Confinement & Demotion</u> or <u>Execution & ID Termination</u>
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| |-
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| | Sedition
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| | To engage in actions or refuse to follow orders as to overthrow or usurp the legitimate command structure.
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| * Creating a massive threat to the ship without the knowledge and approval of the <span style="color:green">'''Commander'''</span> falls under sedition.
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| * Proclaiming allegiance to, or acting on behalf of, the supposed 'Colonial Liberation Front' is an act of sedition against the United Americas.
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| | <u>Permanent Confinement & Demotion</u> or <u>Execution & ID Termination</u>
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| | Desertion
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| | Refusing to carry out the duties essential to one’s post or abandoning post unauthorized, without intent to return. (Retreating from the planet when the FOB is breached is not Desertion, refusing to return when ordered is).
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| | <u>Permanent Confinement & Demotion</u> or <u>Execution & ID Termination</u>
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| |-
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| | Crimes against Humanity
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| | To engage in actions that violate human rights or otherwise are heinous acts against humans. Examples are torture, cannibalism and forced infection with Xenomorph larva.
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| | <u>Permanent Confinement & Demotion</u> or <u>Execution & ID Termination</u>
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| |-
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| |}
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| ==Precautionary Charges==
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| * Precautionary charges are used to hold people in confinement indefinitely, however cannot be used to execute them.
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| ** With the exception of Prisoners of War, people held under Precautionary Charges may still be executed should they be charged with other crimes that would allow it.
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| {| class="wikitable sortable" border="1"
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| ! Charge
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| ! class="unsortable" | Description
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| ! Punishment
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| | Insanity
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| | Acting in such a manner which makes the offender not sound clear of mind. The subject, once cleared to be of sound mind, may be released from this particular charge.
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| * Only the person in the position of CMO, or the Synthetic can declare insanity on a person who is believed to not be of sound mind.
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| ** The sole exception to this is in cases of '''<u>verified</u>''' suicide or attempted suicide, wherein the subject may appeal to the usual candidates, or to any medical personnel.
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| | <u>Permanent Confinement</u>
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| |-
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| | Prisoner of War
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| | Being a member of a legitimate and recognised faction currently hostile to the USCM.
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| * Note: UPP personnel are not inherently hostile, and CLF cell members are not considered POWs.
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| * POWs <span style="color:#ff0000">'''cannot'''</span> be executed, barring exceptional circumstances; such as being an '''active''' threat to personnel or civilians.
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| | <u>Permanent Confinement</u>
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| |-
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| | Discretionary Detainment
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| | A discretionary charge used by <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span>s to detain personnel for any reason - for the safety and benefit of the operation or security.
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| * The duration of this charge is variable to the discretion of the <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span> and may be pardoned/lifted at any time by the <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span>.
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| * This charge may only be appealed to the <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span>, <span style="color:orange">'''High Command'''</span> or the <span style="color:orange">'''Provost Marshal Office'''</span>.
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| * Misuse of this charge by a Whitelisted <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span> may result in Whitelist Sanctions.
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| | <u>Permanent Confinement</u> (Variable)
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| |-
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| |}
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| *Note: this list is not comprehensive of all things that would violate the law. Doing so would be impossible and require an inordinate amount of time. Something that would obviously be a serious crime in the United States, e.g. Cannibalism, is still a violation of Marine Law. Clarifications are subject to situations arising.
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| *On Threats to break Marine Law: Threatening to commit a Major or Capital offence such as Assault or Murder may be charged as breaking the law so long as there exists a reasonable expectation and capability that the law will be broken.
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| **A marine running around the ship with a rifle can plausibly threaten to murder someone whilst an incarcerated prisoner with no weaponry is far less likely to be able to commit this crime, and as such their threats can '''usually''' be considered meaningless.
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| ***Previous crimes or actions may be taken into account when considering if a threat is plausible or "bravado".
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| **In cases of threats to murder, all charges are to be treated as Attempted Murder, and not successful Murder.
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| ==Non-Judicial Punishments (NJPs)==
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| For Minor Crimes, MP’s or SEA may administer a Non-Judicial Punishment instead of an arrest or brig sentence. NJPs may not be issued to someone they wouldn't otherwise be able to arrest. This would be the <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span>, <span style="color:red">'''CMP'''</span>, MP, SEA, and so forth. If a person refuses an NJP they are to serve the original charge or a 10 minute brig sentence if none exists. Accepting the NJP requires waiving the right to appeal.
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| NJP's can be given to people in a cell at any point in time unless the '''total''' sentence they are serving is '''above''' 10 Minutes or a major crime. The decision to offer a NJP cannot be overruled by someone higher on the mp ranking structure.
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| * The NJP can not take longer then the remaining time on their timer.
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| * This does not include NJPs that would be applicable to ''new'' charges.
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| === Further Information: ===
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| This may range from reprimands or PT to extra duties or reassignment to a new post, but may not be a risk to the marine’s health. The time on an NJP can not last more than the brig timer would be, and can at maximum last 10 Minutes if there is not a specified brig timer.
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| All punishment-related orders to perform tasks outside a marine's assigned duties are considered NJPs and require the subject to have committed a named criminal offense to be issued; the exception is the <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span>’s NJP directive. Failure to comply with the non-judicial punishment will result in a resisting arrest charge in addition to the original sentence, failing to complete the NJP is not a failure to comply so long as a legitimate attempt is made.
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| == Military Police and Lawbreaking ==
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| Breaking Marine Law as a member of the Military Police is a serious offence, and carries a serious consequence.
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| Should a member of the Military Police be arrested for breaking Marine Law;
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| * They are to be charged with Neglect of Duty as an additional charge, however this does not upgrade a minor crime.
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| * Should their appeal or pardon be denied, they are to be removed from service as law enforcement.
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| ** For Minor Crimes, demotion is subject to the wishes of the <span style="color:red">'''Chief MP'''</span>, or the <span style="color:green">'''Commander'''</span> in their absence, and their decision cannot be altered.
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| ** Enlisted are to serve in squad roles or other assignments aboard the ship, subject to relevant Heads of Departments granting permission, or direct assignment by the <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span>.
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| ** Officers are to serve in the CIC unless dismissed by the <span style="color:green">'''Commander'''</span> to find duties elsewhere.
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|
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| =Application= | | =Application= |
| The UCMJ applies to all personnel in the vicinity of a USCM Operation or onboard a USCM ship; this includes the <span style="color:green">'''Commander'''</span>, <span style="color:red">'''Chief MP'''</span>, UPP, Freelancers, PMC's, other factions and organizations. The only exceptions are specially dispatched officials from <span style="color:orange">'''High Command'''</span> or the <span style="color:orange">'''Provost Marshal Office'''</span> and ''Diplomatically Immune'' Company Executives (not the onboard Liaison). Riot MP ERT’s are also required to follow Marine law as a regular MP.
| | Marine Law shall apply to all persons, military and civilian, present in an area of operations or within the confines of a vessel or facility belonging to the United States Colonial Marine Corps. <span style="color:red">'''Military Police'''</span> shall be its sole enforcers and make all necessary arrests for breaches of Marine Law resulting in the commission of a crime. <span style="color:red">'''Military Police'''</span> may choose to or be ordered to ignore a minor crime, unless instructed to punish one. <span style="color:red">'''Military Police'''</span> may arrest from their own volition only personnel lower than them in the judicial command structure. <span style="color:red">'''Military Police'''</span> shall operate independently from the regular command structure only in matters related to Marine Law. The <span style="color:red">'''Chief of Military Police'''</span> shall be the highest law enforcement professional, second only to the <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span> who shall retain the final say on the judicial affairs of their unit and area of operations, unless overseen by higher officials from <span style="color:orange">'''High Command'''</span>. Officers, enlisted persons, and civilians in the employ of the United States Colonial Marine Corps shall remain at all times subject to Marine Law, regardless of their location. |
| ** Unless stated otherwise, it can be presumed that a USCM Flag Officer (O7 or above) is immune to Marine Law, though may still be faxed about should they commit a crime.
| | =Lawbreaking Military Police= |
| * On USCM ships and operations, the law is enforced by the MPs and <span style="color:red">'''Chief MP'''</span>, and they operate independently from the normal command structure ONLY in matters related to the enforcement of the Law.
| | <span style="color:red">'''Military Police'''</span> violating Marine Law is a serious offense and carries serious consequences. <span style="color:red">'''Military Police'''</span> doing so shall be charged with neglect of duty as an additional crime and be removed from service as law enforcement, provided their appeal or request for pardon to be denied. Demotion for committing a minor crime shall be subject to the wishes of the <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span>, <span style="color:red">'''Chief of Military Police'''</span>, or the <span style="color:green">'''Commander'''</span> in their absence. |
| * The <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span> Of the Almayer has the final say on law enforcement within his operational area unless overseen by higher officials of the <span style="color:orange">'''Provost Marshal Office'''</span> or <span style="color:orange">'''High Command'''</span>.
| | =Unlawful Orders= |
| * The <span style="color:red">'''Chief MP'''</span> is the second highest authority in law enforcement, above even the Executive Officer. While he may perform arrests, it is his duty to administer the brig, ensure records are updated, timers are properly set, the procedure is observed, and to review cases and evidence.
| | Personnel are required to follow all orders and directives from their superiors, but shall not obey those that would come into conflict with Marine Law. Personnel refusing such illegal orders shall state in what manner they believe they would violate Marine Law when carried out. Issuing unlawful orders shall be punished in the same manner as crimes that would result from carrying them out. Orders meant as punishment that would cause personnel to neglect their duties, such as running laps or performing general janitorial duty, shall also be unlawful unless applied as non-judicial punishments. |
| * Military Police may, at their discretion, ignore Minor Crimes unless they are ordered to enforce one. However, they should never break Marine Law themselves - Minor or Major crimes.
| |
| ** If the life and limb of a ship's crew or other personnel are at risk in a situation, personnel may act in a manner reasonable to preserve them even if such action would otherwise violate marine law.
| |
| ** Examples:
| |
| *** Gaining entry to a room the person normally has no access to due to a person's life is in danger.
| |
| *** Breaking a window, door, or wall where there is a clear belief a person is either dying or mortally wounded on the other side.
| |
| ** Abuse of this may be met with <span style="color:orange">'''High Command'''</span> interference ranging from Execution to payment docking.
| |
| | |
| =Lawful Orders= | |
| Personnel are required to follow all lawful orders from their superiors and are '''NOT-required''' to follow '''unlawful''' orders. | |
| * If personnel refuses to follow the order, the personnel must state why they believe it would break Marine Law.
| |
| | |
| Unlawful orders are those orders that, when carried out, would result in a breach of Marine Law.
| |
| Giving an unlawful order with ill intent or one that is carried out will see the person who gave the order be given the same punishment as the personnel who carried it out.
| |
| Orders meant as punishment that would cause personnel to have to Neglect their Duties (such as “go stand here for ten minutes” or “run three laps around the hangar”) are also unlawful unless applied as NJPs. | |
| =Officer Ordered Arrests= | | =Officer Ordered Arrests= |
| Should a Commissioned Officer '''order''' an arrest for a crime, MPs '''MUST''' arrest that person. Only the <span style="color:green">'''Commander'''</span> and <span style="color:red">'''CMP'''</span> can order an arrest on an MP. They may arrest and hold that person for ten minutes after they have reached the brig while they gather evidence. Should the suspect be declared innocent of all accused crimes, the requesting officer may incur a Prevarication charge. The time for any crimes the suspect committed as a result of the arrest must still be served, however.
| | Arrests ordered by an officer for the commission of a crime shall be carried out by <span style="color:red">'''Military Police'''</span>. Only the <span style="color:green">'''Commander'''</span> and <span style="color:red">'''Chief of Military Police'''</span> may order arrests on <span style="color:red">'''Military Police'''</span>, and only the <span style="color:green">'''Commander'''</span> may order the <span style="color:red">'''Chief of Military Police'''</span> to be arrested. The person subject of the arrest order may be held for ten minutes after reaching the brig to gather evidence, in case of doubts as to the veracity of the allegations. Absence of evidence shall not exculpate. Exonerating evidence that demonstrates ill intent from the officer having ordered the arrest shall be actionable and sufficent to charge said officer with prevarication. The officer ordering the arrest shall clearly communicate and explicitly request the arrest of the suspect. The arrest order may be rescinded by the officer having ordered the arrest up until detainment of the suspect. The officer may not order the arrest of an officer superior to them in rank or position. |
| The <span style="color:red">'''CMP'''</span> or <span style="color:green">'''Commander'''</span> may order an arrested marine to get an NJP instead of a brig timer for Minor crimes. Should the marine already have been given the option for an NJP but refused to do it, they may not get the chance for another NJP in regard to those charges.
| |
| An officer must clearly communicate that he wishes the criminal arrested, for the arrest to be compulsory.
| |
| Any Commissioned Officer who explicitly orders the arrest of a person or persons may recind the order up until the detainment of said person or persons.
| |
| | |
| =Vicarious Prosecution=
| |
| With the exclusion of capital crimes, actions resulting in Neglect of Duty or crimes resulting in grievous bodily harm, the Victim of a perceived crime retains the right to drop charges and request MPs or other prosecuting parties to release the perceived defendant. Continuing with or later arresting the defendant after the Victim drops charges constitutes prevarication, however the defendant may be detained for '''no longer than five minutes''' whilst the <span style="color:orange">'''Provost Marshal Office'''</span> is contacted by MPs for an appeal to arrest.
| |
| If an appeal to arrest is not sent within the five minutes, or a response not received within three minutes of sending it, the defendant must be released else confinement is Illegal.
| |
| | |
| =Arrest Procedure=
| |
| == Arresting a Suspect ==
| |
| # Inform the Suspect he is under arrest.
| |
| # Take down the Suspect if he resists and securely restrain him.
| |
| # Move the Suspect to the Brig.
| |
| # Inform the Suspect of his Charges before the brig timer starts.
| |
| # Inform the Suspect he may file an appeal should he wish so.
| |
| ==Lethal Force==
| |
| During emergencies such as mutinies and boardings, or against suspects who have used a lethal weapon against law enforcement or other personnel, the <span style="color:red">'''Chief MP'''</span> or <span style="color:green">'''Commander'''</span> may authorize the use of lethal force.
| |
| | |
| If an MP has no non-lethal weaponry, they may use lethals should the suspect be a '''threat to the crew or ship'''. The suspect should only be fired upon with lethals '''until they no longer can present any harm'''.
| |
| | |
| * A suspect that has been detained and securely restrained must be kept safe from harm as they are considered to be in MP Custody.
| |
| * If the <span style="color:red">'''CMP'''</span> or <span style="color:green">'''Commander'''</span> are not responding to hails over comms within a timely fashion or are incapacitated, the MP can use Lethals freely while on Code Red or higher.
| |
| * If non-lethals prove inefficient against the target such as rogue synthetic units, the MP may use lethals from the beginning.
| |
| ** Lethal force must remain a last resort, and only used against threats to the crew or ship.
| |
| ** The synthethic unit must be given a chance to stand down.
| |
| ** The synthethic unit should be repaired and ressurected in a secure spot to serve its sentence once taken down i. It should be released after serving its sentence.
| |
|
| |
|
| ==Field Arrests== | | =Crime Victims= |
| Arrests are restricted to the FOB, dropships, and secure areas unless in "hot pursuit" - the suspect flees the MP outside the secure area. Should there be hostiles in the vicinity, the MP is required to abort the arrest and move to a secure area. MP's may travel between secure areas, but may not make arrests during these travels and must make sure the transport back with the arrested person happens safely. Should the Almayer get boarded by a hostile force no arrests should be made unless the person is a danger to the Almayer and or its personnel.
| | Victims of crimes, excluding Capital Crimes and crimes resulting in grevious bodily harm, shall retain the right to have charges dropped and request Military Police to release the perpetrator. Carrying out an arrest after the victim dropped charges constitutes prevarication. |
| * This includes Delta Alert (Hijack, or if Self Destruct is Activated).
| |
| In the event of arresting shipside crew who are on authorized field deployments MPs must notify the Head of Department, or aCO in the absence of the relevant department head, and request that a replacement be arranged where possible.
| |
| * A replacement is not mandatory, however MPs must make an effort to arrange one, delaying no more than five minutes for this process.
| |
|
| |
|
| =Search Procedure= | | =Lethal Force= |
| Searches can be performed by the <span style="color:green">'''Commander'''</span> or any Military Police personnel as long as the following procedure is followed. If procedure is not followed it would incur an NoD charge.
| | The <span style="color:green">'''Commander'''</span> or <span style="color:red">'''Chief of Military Police'''</span> may authorise the use of lethal force during emergencies such as boardings and mutinies, or against suspects who have used lethal force against personnel. Military Police without non-lethal weaponry may use lethal force against suspects who proven dangerous to the unit. The suspect shall only be engaged with lethal weaponry until they can no longer present any danger. |
| ==Personnel==
| |
| # Searches must be approved by the <span style="color:red">'''CMP'''</span> or <span style="color:green">'''Commander'''</span>.
| |
| ## If waiting would cause further hazard to the ship or personnel you may gain permission after performing the search.
| |
| ## Should an MP witness a crime, then a search can be approved after the arrest.
| |
| # Inform the person you are conducting a search and the reason.
| |
| # If possible, conduct the search in the Brig or an isolated area, so nothing is stolen.
| |
| # Begin the search and confiscate any illegal items; you may use non-lethal force to restrain them if they don't comply.
| |
| # If illegal items are found, secure them until the search is complete. Should this be impossible, request that another MP assist you by taking the items to Evidence Storage. If the confiscated items warrant a brig sentence, follow Detainment and Brig procedures; otherwise, release them. Searches do not incur a Prevarication charge.
| |
| # Return items to Requisitions that are no longer needed for evidence.
| |
| | |
| ==Area==
| |
| # Searches must be approved by the <span style="color:red">'''CMP'''</span> or <span style="color:green">'''Commander'''</span>.
| |
| ## If waiting would cause further hazard to the ship or personnel you may gain permission after performing the search.
| |
| # Announce your intent to search the area and vacate it of personnel unrelated to the search. If someone responsible for the area is on-site, inform them of the reason.
| |
| # Obtain access to the area, if nobody with access is present, request that properly trained personnel override the door.
| |
| # Search the area for evidence and ensure all evidence is secured.
| |
| # Restore the searched area to its previous state as closely as possible.
| |
| # Reopen the area to normal traffic and take all evidence to the brig for processing.
| |
| # Return items to Requisitions that are no longer needed for evidence.
| |
| | |
| =Detainment and Brig Procedures=
| |
| '''Note:''' If the prisoner is removed from his cell for ANY REASON, the timer is PAUSED. Time spent outside a cell does NOT count towards time being served for the crime. To properly brig a prisoner verify the following checklist in no particular order:
| |
| | |
| * Set the charges and print the Prisoners Timer out from JAS.
| |
| * Insert the paper containing their charges into the cell timer panel and activate it.
| |
| * Put them in an orange uniform and shoes.
| |
| * Give them a standard headset.
| |
| * Take their ID off if possible.
| |
| * Bring them inside the cell, buckle them to the bed, flash or stun them and recover your handcuffs, then exit the cell.
| |
| * Search their belonging for contraband and theft.
| |
| * Update their records with their "Prisoner" status, charges, and the time they are serving.
| |
| * Once the timer is over, let them grab their belongings, escort them out of the brig, and set their record status to "Released".
| |
| If a prisoner is SSD at the end of their sentence, redress them, secure their pouches, and place them in the brig Cryo. If a prisoner has been SSD for over 5 Minutes you may place them in cryo. However, should they return, they must return to serve the remaining time.
| |
|
| |
|
| = Demotions = | | = Demotions = |
| Demotions are limited to crimes where it is explicitly listed that demotion is a possible consequence. In order for a demotion to be carried out permission must first be gained from the Head of Department responsible for the arrest person(s) or, in the case of the arrest person(s) being Head of Department, the <span style="color:green">'''Commander'''</span>.
| | Carrying out demotions for the commission of crimes shall require permission from the head of the department the perpetrator belongs to, or permission from the <span style="color:green">'''Commander'''</span> in case of demotion of a head of department, and the word of the <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span> shall be final. Demoted personnel shall move to a more junior position within their department, or be reassigned as rifleman if no such position exists. Riflemen punished by demotion shall be discharged from the United States Colonial Marine Corps and be afforded the same status as civilian passengers. Demoted civilians whose department possesses no more junior position shall be fired from the United States Colonial Marine Corps and be afforded the same status as civilian passengers. Demoted <span style="color:red">'''Military Police'''</span> may be placed in another department, provided they possess the relevant skills, with permission from the relevant head of department, or be reassigned as riflemen if unfeasible. |
| | |
| A person who has been demoted is moved to a lower position in their department or, if no such position exists, to a rifleman position.
| |
| | |
| * Riflemen who may be punished by demotion are to be discharged and treated as a civilian passenger.
| |
| * Military Police who are demoted may be placed under any shipside department provided they have the relevant skills, and the permission of the relevant Head of Department.
| |
| * The <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span> has a [https://cm-ss13.com/wiki/Marine_Law#Demotion_Clause Special Provision] allowing them to authorise demotions or discharges outside explicitly stated punishments.
| |
| | |
| =Executions=
| |
| Executions are limited to those prisoners who have committed crimes with execution as a possible punishment or those whose timer exceeds one hour, such as permanent confinement. Executions must be authorized by the <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span> or '''BOTH''' the <span style="color:green">'''Commander'''</span> and the <span style="color:red">'''Chief MP'''</span> if the <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span> is '''absent.'''
| |
| Permanently confined prisoners may be executed at a later date if the Alert Level is Red/Delta Alert.
| |
| | |
| '''During Delta Alert, threats mandating evacuation, or a hostile force is approaching / onboard the ship, the following procedures may be ignored but should otherwise be granted.'''
| |
| | |
| ====== Execution Announcement Procedure: ======
| |
| * The <span style="color:green">'''Commander'''</span> or <span style="color:red">'''Chief MP'''</span> must make a ship-wide announcement informing the crew of the intent to execute the prisoner, why, and the execution method.
| |
| * Authorized methods of execution are either Firing Squad (MPs or the <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span>) or Lethal Injection (handled by the CMO).
| |
| **Standard issued firearms such as rifles, sidearms, or shotguns shall only be used. No explosives or any weapons that could be considered cruel and unusual.
| |
| ** The <span style="color:red">'''CMP'''</span> or <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span> can determine if anyone else is allowed in the firing line. This act should be reserved for the victims of the case only.
| |
| | |
| ====== Execution Conduct Procedure: ======
| |
| * The Condemned can request a tobacco product, a last food type and a last drink as a final meal. The items should be easily acquirable.
| |
| * The condemned may also request a blindfold for the execution.
| |
| * The Condemned may request a maximum of three people to view their execution from the designated viewing room.
| |
| * The <span style="color:green">'''Commander'''</span> or <span style="color:red">'''Chief MP'''</span> '''must''' be present at the execution.
| |
| * The Condemned MUST be given a chance to give any final words, after that the execution may proceed. The condemned may use the radio for this even if their radio was taken for abuse.
| |
| ** If any of these take more than two minutes in total, the execution may proceed.
| |
| | |
| =Prisoner Rights=
| |
| The following is a list of basic rights the prisoners have. With the exception of Access to a Radio, they can NOT be denied, except in an extreme situation and only then with authorization from the <span style="color:red">'''Chief MP'''</span> or <span style="color:green">'''Commander'''</span>. Prisoners can fax <span style="color:orange">'''High Command'''</span> to have their rights be given back or inform of malpractice.
| |
| | |
| == The Courtyard aka Common Space ==
| |
| All prisoners are allowed to enter the common space / courtyard by default, exception to this are permabrigged prisoners. This right can be lost in the following scenarios.
| |
| * Permabrigged prisoners can be given access to the courtyard/common space with an escort as a reward for good behavior.
| |
| * Mutiny, Riots, or Emergency Situations removes this right.
| |
| * Active jailbreak attempts removes this right.
| |
| * Should a prisoner commit a law break while in brig this right is lost. The right can be given back by the <span style="color:red">'''CMP'''</span> or <span style="color:green">'''Commander'''</span>.
| |
| | |
| ==Protection and Medical Treatment==
| |
| All prisoners must be kept safe and unharmed, to this end, as long as there are prisoners in the brig, an MP or the <span style="color:red">'''Chief MP'''</span> must remain in the brig at all times except if the only prisoners have been placed in permanent confinement or there is an Emergency Situation. Treatment should take place inside the brig when possible.
| |
| * It is the arresting MP’s duty to make sure there is one person in the brig at all times to watch the prisoner.
| |
| * The Surgical Tray is to remain within the brig at all times unless on Red/Delta Alert.
| |
| If not, an MP must escort the prisoner to the infirmary and watch over them at all times while they are treated. Self-harm may result in being straitjacketed for the duration of the sentence.
| |
| | |
| ==Access to a Radio==
| |
| Unless the prisoner has abused the radio (such as spamming it for help after being asked to stop), they are authorized a standard headset. If any MP believes that it is being abused, this right can be denied after a warning has been given on what is considered abuse and giving the Prisoner a chance to stop.
| |
| * Prisoners may request an appeal as much as they want.
| |
| * Prisoners can be denied a radio if a mutiny is ongoing, but only until the mutiny is over.
| |
| | |
| = Right to appeal =
| |
| An appeal is the process in which a case is reviewed by a higher authority. Appeals function as a process for error correction, but they may not be used to add on new charges or punishments after a brig timer has been set.
| |
| ==Appeal Sentence in a timely manner==
| |
| # Anyone under the jurisdiction of Marine Law has the right to appeal their punishment to their choice of the <span style="color:red">'''CMP'''</span> or the <span style="color:green">'''Commander'''</span>, who can both designate someone else to handle it in their place. Should either be involved, they must designate an uninvolved mp or uninvolved commissioned officer.
| |
| # The one handling the appeal has final say. In general, witnesses/victims, anyone ordering the arrest, choosing the charges, or picking the time of a prisoner of a crime should not be doing the appeal.
| |
| # The person who handles the appeal can establish a charge as valid, modify a charge to a lower charge, reduce the punishment for a charge up to the minimum punishment, and remove a charge that the prisoner is found innocent for.
| |
| # A charge cannot be removed if the prisoner is guilty.
| |
| # Should an appeal not be started within 10 Minutes, or 30 Minutes for people permanently brigged after a request of it has been made. The prisoner is to be released.
| |
| ## It must be clearly communicated to either an MP, the <span style="color:red">'''CMP'''</span> or <span style="color:green">'''Commander'''</span>. Should the person recieving the request for an appeal fail to take appropiate action on it they are to be given a NoD charge.
| |
| # Appeals must be handled before Executions, Demotions and NJP's. Appealing personnel will have their brig timers (if any) set and running while the appeal is concluded.
| |
| # Appeals can not influence other punishments.A marine may be placed in holding awaiting their appeal if it carries no brig sentence.
| |
| | |
| == Suspending Appeals ==
| |
| During Delta Alert, threats mandating evacuation, or an hostile force is approaching, or onboard the ship, riots or jailbreaks, appeal rights become suspended. Appeals may be postponed in these situations as well.
| |
| * The marine needs medical treatment and is not conscious.
| |
| * There is another appeal that was requested before this appeal.
| |
| * The marine has escaped and is unreachable in person.
| |
| | |
| Examples of invalid reasons to postpone appeals.
| |
| * The <span style="color:green">'''Commander'''</span> and <span style="color:red">'''CMP'''</span> are busy doing other tasks.
| |
| * The prisoner is ruled to be insane.
| |
| | |
| === Proper Appeal procedure ===
| |
| To ensure appeals are done properly, the following set of procedure is to be followed.
| |
| * All charges should be listed one by one by with the punishment the prisoner got for each charge listed as well.This may be done by any MP, or person handling the appeal.
| |
| * Appeals are done in person. They cannot be done through remote communication. This only counts for the person handling the appeal and not for witnesses.
| |
| * The appeal handles the crimes as listed towards the accused. If charges were applied incorrectly they must be removed. Appeals can not add on new charges or punishments after a brig timer has been set. '''Even if the wrong charges were applied through a procedural mistake.'''
| |
| * The outcome of the appeal should be decided on individual charges. One should not give a general reply on the entire appeal. One must give the outcome per charge. When the appeal is done the punishment should be the punishment for the remaining charges.
| |
| * The person handling the appeal is the one who decides the outcome. They cannot be ordered or forced to handle an appeal a certain way.
| |
| * The person handling the appeal cannot be retaliated against in any way by anyone for either handling the appeal or the outcome of the appeal.
| |
| ** Exception being a neglect of duty charge if the appeals procedure was not followed correctly.
| |
| | |
| === Appeals checklist ===
| |
| The following checklist is recommended for the appeal.
| |
| # Are you there in person with the accused?
| |
| # Have the charges and their punishments been stated?
| |
| # Did you check the story of the accuser(s)?
| |
| # Did you check the story of any witnesses?
| |
| # Did you check the story of the accused?
| |
| # Did you check any extra evidence?
| |
| # Did you check if the evidence supports the charges? And the stories?
| |
| # Have you handled mitigating circumstances?
| |
| # Have you decided on the appeal?
| |
| # Have you informed the accused of your decision on a per charge basis?
| |
| # Did you adjust the punishment of the accused?
| |
| # Have you informed the prisoner of their right to fax HC for an additional appeal?
| |
| | |
| === Appeals to the Provost ===
| |
| An alternative to a normal appeal is an appeal to <span style="color:orange">'''High Command'''</span>, this is an extra appeal a prisoner may do after having their appeal denied. If the prisoner is to be set up for execution, the <span style="color:orange">'''Provost Marshal Office'''</span> has 10 Minutes to send a reply back. Should no reply arrive within the given time-frame, the execution may commence. It may also be used in stay of a standard appeal, however should the prior time-frame expire, the appeal is still considered denied. When this right is invoked, this grants the prisoner the right to a pen and a paper to write a fax with to the <span style="color:orange">'''Provost Marshal Office'''</span>. If the prisoner has to be restrained due to, for example, self-harm, they have the right to dictate the fax but should not have their restraints removed. This fax, once written has to be faxed as soon as possible. '''During Delta Alert, threats mandating evacuation, or an hostile force is approaching, or onboard the ship this right may be denied.'''
| |
|
| |
|
| =Special Provisions= | | =Special Provisions= |
| ==Medical Experiments==
| |
| An individual may waive their rights in order to participate in a medical experiment. Researchers performing approved medical experiments may not be held liable for harm inflicted on the subject within the approved parameters of the experiment. All experiments require the signed approval of either the <span style="color:green">'''Commander'''</span> or Chief Medical Officer.
| |
| * Prisoners can request to be used for medical experiments as a subject. The prisoner’s timer continues to run while they are being used as a medical experiment.
| |
| * Should the Prisoner’s timer be concluded while undergoing a medical experiment, they are free to go and are no longer obligated to continue the experiment.
| |
| * With the exception of prisoners who's timer would otherwise allow execution, medical experiments that will result in the death of the prisoner are not legal.
| |
|
| |
| ==Insanity== | | ==Insanity== |
| Unsoundness of mind or lack of the ability to understand that prevents one from having the mental capacity required by law to perform one's required duties or tasks. Insanity can only be declared by the CMO or Synthetic. The Synthetic can not be forced to declare someone insane.
| | Insanity is defined as an unsoundness of mind or lack of ability to understand that prevents one from having the mental capacity to perform one's duties. Only the chief medical officer, synthetics, or another medical officer in their absence may declare someone insane, and they may not be ordered to do so against their diagnosis. |
|
| |
|
| * In the absence of a CMO or Synthetic, the Commander or Chief MP can appoint an officer of the medical department to perform an evaluation in their stead, however this should be a last resort.
| | ==Self-Defense== |
| | | A person using force on others to defend themselves or others from illegal use of force shall not be charged, as long as they defend themselves with proportional force. Fists shall be used against fists, melee weapons against melee weapons, and firearms against firearms for example. The victim shall only defend with lethal force until the attacker is unable to carry on their assault. The victim shall notify Military Police of their use of force in self-defense at the earliest opportunity. The victim shall first attempt to flee and alert <span style="color:red">'''Military Police'''</span> if able. |
| ==Mutinies and arresting the Commander==
| |
| Attempting to overthrow legitimate command staff is obviously illegal, and MPs must do everything in their power to prevent it. MPs must contact <span style="color:orange">'''High Command'''</span> for approval and get approval before taking any action against the <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span>. If there is no <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span>, the <span style="color:green">'''Commander'''</span> of the operation may be arrested, but <span style="color:orange">'''High Command'''</span> must be notified after the fact through fax.
| |
| | |
| Should a mutiny be successful and the <span style="color:green">'''Commander'''</span> is deposed or surrenders, MPs should hold the deposed person in confinement if their freedom would reignite the conflict.
| |
| | |
| ==Self-Defense and the Defense of Others== | |
| Criminal charges are not to be applied to those who use force on others when defending themselves from illegal use of force, so long as they defend themselves with proportional force. This right extends to the defense of others, should there be a reason to believe they are in lethal danger. This provision does not apply to lawful killings such as executions.
| |
| * Proportional Force
| |
| ** Punching against being punched.
| |
| ** Melee weapons against melee weapons.
| |
| ** Guns against guns.
| |
| ** The person defending should only return with lethal force until the other person is unable to attack the defendant.
| |
| *** The defendant should notify MP’s or his command about the use of self-defense.
| |
| * The person being attacked should also look to get away from the other attacker if possible, and alert the MP’s.
| |
| | |
| == Emergency Situations ==
| |
| In emergency situations such as a significant boarding action or a compromised brig imprisoned personnel may be released by the <span style="color:red">'''CMP'''</span> if they have reason to believe they will not be a threat or hindrance to USCM personnel during the course of the emergency, particularly so if they consistently displayed good behavior.
| |
| If the imprisoned personnel are denied the release or are clearly too dangerous or detrimental to the survival of the USS Almayer’s crew if released, they are to be either escorted to an escape pod while in the custody of a commissioned officer or MP charged with maintaining their safety. A normal Red Alert is not sufficient reason for a release unless the ship is being overrun by a large hostile force.
| |
| | |
| | |
| = Synthetic Units and Marine Law. =
| |
| == The Almayer Synthetics ==
| |
| The Almayer Synthetics are coded to not be able to break Marine Law and can, therefore, not be arrested unless <span style="color:orange">'''High Command'''</span> has approved their arrest beforehand through a fax. The synthetic units are also granted the same rights and privileges as a regular marine.
| |
| * If any MP believes the Synthetic unit has broken Marine Law, this should be faxed to <span style="color:orange">'''High Command'''</span> and taken up to the <span style="color:yellow">'''Synthetic Council'''</span>.
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| * If an officer orders the arrest of a Synthetic, the MP must ignore the order and inform the officer he must fax <span style="color:orange">'''High Command'''</span> for them to allow the arrest of the synthetic.
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| * Any other synthetic units not directly a part of the USCM do not have this arrest immunity.
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| | |
| == Survivor Synthetics ==
| |
| * Weyland-Yutani and the USCM are business partners, and as such, Weyland-Yutani synths (Colony Synth) are granted similar rights and privileges as the Almayer Synth, but may have their arrest ordered by the <span style="color:green">'''Commander'''</span> or <span style="color:red">'''CMP'''</span> without a need to fax <span style="color:orange">'''High Command'''</span>.
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| * The Synths are afforded the same rights and protections under the marine law as though they were an Almayer Synth.
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| * Survivor Synth’s that act subversive to the USCM (taking highly valuable supplies without request, deconstructing defenses, etc.) can be declared rogue by the CO/XO or current acting <span style="color:green">'''Commander'''</span>.
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| ** Once declared rogue, the Synth loses any protection it has and may be taken down freely.
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| | ==Medical Experiments== |
| | An individual may waive their rights in order to participate in an authorised medical experiment. Personnel conducting the research shall not be charged for harm inflicted on the subject, provided such harm was the result of approved parameters of the experiment. Personnel in the employ of the United States Colonial Marine Corps may be ordered not to participate in such experimentation if it would cause them to neglect their duties. The time of a prisoner spent as test subject shall count as time served for their sentence. A prisoner whose sentence reached completion while involved in a medical experiment shall be free to leave such experiment. Personnel may not conduct medical experiments that would result in the certain death of the subjects, unless the subjects are prisoners whose sentence is execution. |
| | == Emergency Prisoner Release == |
| | The <span style="color:green">'''Commander'''</span> or <span style="color:red">'''Chief of Military Police'''</span> may, during emergency scenarios such as significant boarding actions or a compromised brig, release prisoners if there is reason to believe that they will not be a threat or hindrance during the course of the emergency, particularly so if the prisoners displayed good behavior. Such release shall not take place if the <span style="color:green">'''Commander'''</span> or <span style="color:red">'''Chief of Military Police'''</span> object to it, and the word of the <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span> shall be final. Prisoners whose release have been denied shall be escorted by <span style="color:red">'''Military Police'''</span> to a safe location, in accordance with orders from the command structure. |
| | = Synthetics = |
| | == United States Colonial Marine Corps Synthetics == |
| | Synthetics in service in the United States Colonial Marine Corps are coded to fully understand and adhere to Marine Law. They may therefore not be arrested without authorisation from <span style="color:orange">'''High Command'''</span>. Synthetics in conflict with Marine Law shall be reported to <span style="color:orange">'''High Command'''</span>. For all other judicial matters, synthetics shall be granted the same status as a service member. |
| | == Allied Synthetics == |
| | Several agencies, corporations, and colonies, from or allied with the United Americas make use of synthetics. These synthetics shall be granted similar status as their counterparts from the United States Colonial Marine Corps, with the exception that their arrest may be ordered solely by the <span style="color:green">'''Commander'''</span> or <span style="color:red">'''Chief of Military Police'''</span> and without authorisation from <span style="color:orange">'''High Command'''</span> . Synthetics that violate Marine Law or that act subersive to the United States Colonial Marine Corps, such as by taking highly valuable supplies without request or deconstructing defenses, may be declared rogue by the <span style="color:green">'''Commander'''</span> or <span style="color:red">'''Chief of Military Police'''</span> and disabled with all necessary force. |
| =Commanding Officer Provisions= | | =Commanding Officer Provisions= |
| ==Arrest Immunity== | | ==Arrest Immunity== |
| The <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span> is not above Marine Law. However, they may not be arrested without the explicit permission of <span style="color:orange">'''High Command'''</span>. Should the <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span> break Marine Law, <span style="color:orange">'''High Command'''</span> may be contacted via fax for permission to arrest the <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span>. The right to contact <span style="color:orange">'''High Command'''</span> may not be denied. | | The <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span> is not above Marine Law but may not be arrested for crimes committed without authorisation from <span style="color:orange">'''High Command'''</span>. Contact shall be made with <span style="color:orange">'''High Command'''</span> in case of criminal conduct or abuse of powers from the <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span>. The right to contact <span style="color:orange">'''High Command'''</span> for this purpose may not be denied. <span style="color:red">'''Military Police'''</span> shall present a written warrant from <span style="color:orange">'''High Command'''</span> to the <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span> for the arrest to be valid, unless the arrest order was made known directly to the <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span> by <span style="color:orange">'''High Command'''</span>. Attempting to illegally arrest the <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span> constitutes sedition. |
| If the <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span> has been deposed due to a mutiny, the MPs should hold the deposed <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span> in confinement if their freedom would reignite the conflict; once a <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span> has been deposed, they lose their arrest immunity and are no longer considered the <span style="color:green">'''Commander'''</span>.
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| ==Execution Privileges== | | ==Execution Privileges== |
| The <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span> may perform Battlefield Executions. This means they may '''personally''' execute anyone under their authority on the ship or Area of Operations without warning or procedure '''unless in MP Custody''', provided their words or actions fulfill one of the following conditions: | | The <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span> may perform battlefield executions. They may summarily execute anyone under their authority, in their vessel, facility or area of operations unless the person is in <span style="color:red">'''Military Police'''</span> custody. The individual to be executed shall be guilty of a capital crime or represent one of the following : |
| ** <span style="color:orange">'''High Command'''</span>, <span style="color:orange">'''Provost Marshals'''</span>, <span style="color:yellow">'''Fleet Command'''</span> (CO Council dispatched by staff) and ''Event Characters'' (as defined by the event running admin) inherit the power to Battlefield Execute following normal guidelines.
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| * A threat to your command. Credibly attempting to or threatening to undermine your command, or attempting to remove your command through '''illegal''' means. (Minor insults, disagreements, or being faxed about to <span style="color:orange">'''High Command'''</span> is not undermining your command. Countermanding or refusing to follow orders is.)
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| * A threat to persons. Credibly threatening and attempting to do harm to the <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span> or to someone while in the <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span>'s presence.
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| * A threat to the ship or operation. Credibly threatening or attempting to do damage to the ship, the USCM, or operation while in the <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span>’s presence.
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| Battlefield Executions should not be done in such a way it creates collateral damage or risks involving innocent parties or persons, they should be performed in person and target each individual individually. For example, the Orbital Cannon may not be used for BE's.
| | * A threat to the command, by credibly threatening or attempting to undermine, usurp, override or overthrow the command. |
| Upon completion of a battlefield execution, an announcement must be made within a reasonable time explaining why the person was executed and noting their name and position. The <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span> may not Battlefield Execute a person in custody of the MPs (securely restrained or brigged) unless performing a normal execution is not possible (such as during a Delta Alert).
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| Additionally, the <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span> may request permission to execute prisoners in ways different from Firing Squad or Lethal Injection to <span style="color:orange">'''High Command'''</span> or authorize nonstandard methods of execution in emergencies where the normal procedure is impossible.
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| == Escort Missions ==
| | * A threat to persons, by credibly threatening or attempting to harm the Commanding Officer, or someone else in the presence of the Commanding Officer. |
| The <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span> has two separate escort provisions. (not to be confused with [https://cm-ss13.com/wiki/Standard_Operating_Procedure#Security_(Non-Modifiable) Security SOP] FOB Protection.)
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| # The <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span> may request up to two MPs to guard the <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span> planetside, no more may participate. These two MPs are allowed to fight at the frontline with the <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span>.
| | * A threat to the vessel, facility, or mission, by credibly threatening or attempting to do them damage. |
| # The <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span> may request any amount of MPs to escort non-combat personnel planetside, however they should avoid the frontline at all costs. This includes escorting a <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span> who is not going to fight at the frontline.
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| | Such executions shall be performed in person by the <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span> with their assigned sidearm, or a different weapon if required, in a way to avoid collateral damage and risks to innocent parties. They may therefore not be conducted through the use of heavy explosive ordnance or irregular weaponry. An announcement shall be made by the <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span> at the earliest opportunity and within a reasonable time, explaining the reason for the execution and noting the position, rank and name of the deceased. |
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| Should the escorted individual be incapacitated then the escorting MPs are to try and recover the escorted individual's body. Should this not be possible they are to return shipside. During the escort mission it is required the escorted individual and MPs follow the Escort mission rules written below:
| | == Detainment Privileges == |
| * Deployed MP’s focus is to keep the escorted individual secure at all times. Not enforce Marine law.
| | The <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span> may order discretionary arrests. They may summarily order to be detained for any reason and duration anyone under their authority, in their vessel, facility or area of operations. Such discretionary arrests shall be ordered by the <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span> to incarcerate individuals who have not committed any crime but proved a risk to operational security, or to extend the sentence of individuals whose actions warrant harsher punishment than Marine Law accounted for. Discretionary arrests may only be appealed to <span style="color:orange">'''High Command'''</span>. Only the <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span> may otherwise order the release of prisoners under discretionary detainment. The <span style="color:green">'''Commander'''</span> or <span style="color:red">'''Chief of Military Police'''</span> may also order such release to take place in cases where the <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span> would be permanently unable to do so, due to fatal injuries or cryosleep, with the word of the <span style="color:red">'''Chief of Military Police'''</span> being final. The <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span> may not be charged with prevarication after ordering the release of prisoners under discretionary detainment. |
| * MP's have to remain within line of sight to the escorted individual at all times to the best of their ability.
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| ** If the escorted individual orders the MP to do something that would put the MP outside line of sight, the MP may not do it.
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| * There has to be a minimum amount of MPs left aboard the ship to maintain security. The <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span> dictates what is needed to maintain security but the bare minimum is a single MP. If the ship's security is not maintained the <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span>'s decision may be reviewed by the <span style="color:orange">'''Provost Marshal Office'''</span>. The <span style="color:red">'''CMP'''</span> must always remain onboard and can be counted as the needed remaining MP for Escort missions.
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| == Pardons == | | == Pardons == |
| The <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span> may exceptionally pardon criminals by name, and which crimes they are being pardoned for if they believe it is in the best interests of the operation. Only Minor and Major crimes may be pardoned. | | The <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span> may exceptionally and individually pardon criminals if they believe it to be in the best interests of the mission. Perpetrators charged with minor and major crimes may be pardoned while those charged with capital crimes may not, except in special circumstances with authorisation from <span style="color:orange">'''High Command'''</span>. The <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span> shall take responsability for the conduct of the perpetrator after release and may be held accountable for further criminal actions committed by those they pardoned. <span style="color:red">'''Military Police'''</span> may request the arrest of the <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span> to <span style="color:orange">'''High Command'''</span> in such cases. The <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span> shall do his best to investigate the situation and take knowledge of the crimes and the interval in which they were commited before issuing a pardon. An announcement shall be made by the <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span> including the position, rank and name of the person being pardoned, as well as the crimes being pardoned and the reason for issuing the pardon. Such announcement may be made after issuing the pardon and release order, and the <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span> shall not need to be there for the release itself. |
| Capital offenders may not be pardoned except in special circumstances with the permission of <span style="color:orange">'''High Command'''</span>. The <span style="color:red">'''Chief MP'''</span> or, in their absence, an MP may appeal pardons to <span style="color:orange">'''High Command'''</span> via fax. The <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span> may be held responsible for further criminal actions committed by those they pardon, and should <span style="color:orange">'''High Command'''</span> reverse the decision; they must ensure the condemned return to serve their time without incident.
| | == Arrest Cancellations == |
| Failure to do so may result in removal and arrest at the discretion of <span style="color:orange">'''High Command'''</span>. If any MP thinks the pardon was wrongfully done they should inform <span style="color:orange">'''High Command'''</span> about it as well as the <span style="color:yellow">'''CO Council'''</span>.
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| * When anyone of the rank <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span> or above performs a pardon, they must know the crimes committed and roughly when they were committed.
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| * The person performing the Pardon must announce it, the reason to why they are being pardoned, name of the marine and the crimes the marine was pardoned from. As long as the announcement is made, the <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span> does not need to be there for the release itself.
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| == Cancelling Arrests ==
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| The <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span> may invoke their pardoning authority to cancel the arrest, or warrant of arrest, for a person before they are placed in the ship's brig. This "arrest cancellation" follows standard procedure in the same way as if a pardon was conducted normally from the ship's brig. | |
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| * They must be announced via the tablet or computer (this can be after the order is given)
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| * They are subject to HC appeal.
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| * The <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span> takes full responsibility for the actions of the perpetrator being pardoned.
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| * If the person whose arrest was cancelled via pardon reoffends, MPs may request the arrest of the <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span>.
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| The following are conditions to exercising this power.
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| * Arrest cancellations can only be issued if the <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span> is in the same general vicinity as the person who is being arrested.
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| ** For example, if the <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span> is on the ground, they may only issue such a pardon to people who are on the ground with them, and vice versa.
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| * Arrest cancellations may not be used on suspects who are in the process of committing a crime, have resisted or are resisting arrest, or are already interned in the brig (in the latter case, a regular pardon may be used instead).
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| * Arrest cancellations may not be used to cancel or prohibit the enforcement of a warrant/order of arrest from <span style="color:orange">'''High Command'''</span>.
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| == Demotion Clause == | |
| The <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span> may demote or discharge USCM personnel below his position if the personnel have commited a major crime. The demotion should fit with the severity and remain within the department. One can not demote someone from an engineering position to a medical one.
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| * This is not the same as the standard [https://cm-ss13.com/wiki/Marine_Law#Demotions Demotion Punishment] from Major/Capital crimes.
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| ==General Article NJPs==
| | The <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span> may invoke their pardoning authority to cancel the arrest of a person before they are placed in the brig and processed. This shall follow the same procedure as pardons. Arrest cancellations may not be used on perpetrators in the process of committing a crime, or already processed and confined. Arrest warrants from <span style="color:orange">'''High Command'''</span> may not be cancelled. |
| The <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span> may issue NJPs at any time should they find a marine’s behavior inappropriate or contrary to good order and conduct and deserving of punishment even if they have not committed a crime as specified in Marine Law, such as for comporting themselves in an unprofessional manner, failing to complete a job in satisfactory conditions or failing to uphold standards of good order. | |
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| ==Deputizing== | | == Demotions == |
| The <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span> may deputize the Executive Officer, Auxiliary Support Officer, Staff Officers or Synthethic to make arrests and enforce Marine Law should MPs be unavailable or unable to respond in a timely manner. When Deputized, one is required to follow Marine Law like an MP. | | The <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span> may demote from their rank or position, relieve from duty, and discharge or fire from the United States Colonial Marine Corps, any officer, enlisted person, or civilian under their authority and in their employ. The <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span> may take such actions without necessarily ordering the arrest of the individual, or as additional punishment or measure to an arrest. The severity of the actions shall fit the gravity of the circumstances. Such demotions in position shall follow the same procedure than demotions for crimes committed. Officers and enlisted persons relieved from duty shall be allowed to retain their rank, and officers shall have their right to carry sidearms revoked. |
| | ==General Article== |
| | The <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span> may find the behavior of an officer or enlisted person to be inappropriate, contrary to good order and deserving of punishment even if they have not committed a crime. This may be comporting themselves in an unprofessional manner, failing to complete a task satisfactorily or failing to uphold standards of good order. The <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span> may then issue a non-judicial punishment to the individual in question. |
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| =USCM Provost Marshal Office= | | ==Standard Operating Procedure== |
| ==The Provost== | | The <span style="color:#00CBFE">'''Commanding Officer'''</span> may alter any aspect of the Standard Operating Procedure of their own command, unless indicated otherwise, as long as these alterations do not conflict with Marine Law. Alterations to Standard Operating Procedure shall not be done to the extent of griefing others, but instead with regards to the burden they would impose on personnel. <span style="color:red">'''Military Police'''</span> shall be informed of alterations to Standard Operating Procedure through announcements before their implementation. |
| Members of the USCM <span style="color:orange">'''Provost Marshal Office'''</span> hold significant weight on how Marine Law is handled in their operational areas. In the event that Marine Law is being mishandled aboard a USCM Vessel or within the AO of a USCM Vessel, USCM <span style="color:orange">'''High Command'''</span> may see fit to dispatch a Provost Team. This team may range from an Inspector and their escort visiting the site and laying down the law, or a team of Enforcers showing why breaking the law is a bad idea.
| | ==Additional Definitions== |
| ==Authority== | | * Announcements are messages broadcasted through the public address system of a vessel, facility, or unit, and audible to all personnel of the command. |
| * Members of the <span style="color:orange">'''Provost Marshal Office'''</span> obey only their direct superiors and are not beholden to the Marine Chain of Command. | | * An area of operations is defined as an area outside of a vessel or facility of the United States Colonial Marine Corps where its forces conduct combat and non-combat activities to accomplish tasks and missions. It can be extended by the Commander in accordance with strategic needs. |
| * Provost Inspectors and above are the final word on Marine Law in their AO. | |
| * Provost Advisors do not hold any direct authority themselves, however they are expected to ensure Marine Law is correctly handled.
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| * Provost Marshals are not required to follow Marine Law, with the exception of making announcements regarding Battlefield Executions.
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| ===Contact Information=== | | ===Contact Information=== |
| '''Marine Law is Currently handled by Provost Chief Marshal Ferdinand Dome''' | | '''Marine Law is Currently handled by Provost Chief Marshal Ferdinand Dome''' |
| * '''Contact: “forest2001” on the USCM Galactic Discord Server.''' | | * '''Contact: “forest2001” on the USCM Galactic Discord Server.''' |
United States Colonial Marines Corps
Marine Law
Definition
- The Commanding Officer is an officer appointed by High Command and detailed to command a vessel, facility, or unit. Their status and powers are therefore not transferable down the chain of command.
- The Commander is the officer in command and who has possibly succeeded to command. Their status and powers are transferable down the chain of command.
- Military Police are all appointed and deputised personnel detailed to enforce Marine Law.
- High Command is the entity composed of several headquarters units, such as the Provost Office and different battalion, regiment, and division commands, responsible for issuing orders and directives to the Commanding Officer.
Application
Marine Law shall apply to all persons, military and civilian, present in an area of operations or within the confines of a vessel or facility belonging to the United States Colonial Marine Corps. Military Police shall be its sole enforcers and make all necessary arrests for breaches of Marine Law resulting in the commission of a crime. Military Police may choose to or be ordered to ignore a minor crime, unless instructed to punish one. Military Police may arrest from their own volition only personnel lower than them in the judicial command structure. Military Police shall operate independently from the regular command structure only in matters related to Marine Law. The Chief of Military Police shall be the highest law enforcement professional, second only to the Commanding Officer who shall retain the final say on the judicial affairs of their unit and area of operations, unless overseen by higher officials from High Command. Officers, enlisted persons, and civilians in the employ of the United States Colonial Marine Corps shall remain at all times subject to Marine Law, regardless of their location.
Lawbreaking Military Police
Military Police violating Marine Law is a serious offense and carries serious consequences. Military Police doing so shall be charged with neglect of duty as an additional crime and be removed from service as law enforcement, provided their appeal or request for pardon to be denied. Demotion for committing a minor crime shall be subject to the wishes of the Commanding Officer, Chief of Military Police, or the Commander in their absence.
Unlawful Orders
Personnel are required to follow all orders and directives from their superiors, but shall not obey those that would come into conflict with Marine Law. Personnel refusing such illegal orders shall state in what manner they believe they would violate Marine Law when carried out. Issuing unlawful orders shall be punished in the same manner as crimes that would result from carrying them out. Orders meant as punishment that would cause personnel to neglect their duties, such as running laps or performing general janitorial duty, shall also be unlawful unless applied as non-judicial punishments.
Officer Ordered Arrests
Arrests ordered by an officer for the commission of a crime shall be carried out by Military Police. Only the Commander and Chief of Military Police may order arrests on Military Police, and only the Commander may order the Chief of Military Police to be arrested. The person subject of the arrest order may be held for ten minutes after reaching the brig to gather evidence, in case of doubts as to the veracity of the allegations. Absence of evidence shall not exculpate. Exonerating evidence that demonstrates ill intent from the officer having ordered the arrest shall be actionable and sufficent to charge said officer with prevarication. The officer ordering the arrest shall clearly communicate and explicitly request the arrest of the suspect. The arrest order may be rescinded by the officer having ordered the arrest up until detainment of the suspect. The officer may not order the arrest of an officer superior to them in rank or position.
Crime Victims
Victims of crimes, excluding Capital Crimes and crimes resulting in grevious bodily harm, shall retain the right to have charges dropped and request Military Police to release the perpetrator. Carrying out an arrest after the victim dropped charges constitutes prevarication.
Lethal Force
The Commander or Chief of Military Police may authorise the use of lethal force during emergencies such as boardings and mutinies, or against suspects who have used lethal force against personnel. Military Police without non-lethal weaponry may use lethal force against suspects who proven dangerous to the unit. The suspect shall only be engaged with lethal weaponry until they can no longer present any danger.
Demotions
Carrying out demotions for the commission of crimes shall require permission from the head of the department the perpetrator belongs to, or permission from the Commander in case of demotion of a head of department, and the word of the Commanding Officer shall be final. Demoted personnel shall move to a more junior position within their department, or be reassigned as rifleman if no such position exists. Riflemen punished by demotion shall be discharged from the United States Colonial Marine Corps and be afforded the same status as civilian passengers. Demoted civilians whose department possesses no more junior position shall be fired from the United States Colonial Marine Corps and be afforded the same status as civilian passengers. Demoted Military Police may be placed in another department, provided they possess the relevant skills, with permission from the relevant head of department, or be reassigned as riflemen if unfeasible.
Special Provisions
Insanity
Insanity is defined as an unsoundness of mind or lack of ability to understand that prevents one from having the mental capacity to perform one's duties. Only the chief medical officer, synthetics, or another medical officer in their absence may declare someone insane, and they may not be ordered to do so against their diagnosis.
Self-Defense
A person using force on others to defend themselves or others from illegal use of force shall not be charged, as long as they defend themselves with proportional force. Fists shall be used against fists, melee weapons against melee weapons, and firearms against firearms for example. The victim shall only defend with lethal force until the attacker is unable to carry on their assault. The victim shall notify Military Police of their use of force in self-defense at the earliest opportunity. The victim shall first attempt to flee and alert Military Police if able.
Medical Experiments
An individual may waive their rights in order to participate in an authorised medical experiment. Personnel conducting the research shall not be charged for harm inflicted on the subject, provided such harm was the result of approved parameters of the experiment. Personnel in the employ of the United States Colonial Marine Corps may be ordered not to participate in such experimentation if it would cause them to neglect their duties. The time of a prisoner spent as test subject shall count as time served for their sentence. A prisoner whose sentence reached completion while involved in a medical experiment shall be free to leave such experiment. Personnel may not conduct medical experiments that would result in the certain death of the subjects, unless the subjects are prisoners whose sentence is execution.
Emergency Prisoner Release
The Commander or Chief of Military Police may, during emergency scenarios such as significant boarding actions or a compromised brig, release prisoners if there is reason to believe that they will not be a threat or hindrance during the course of the emergency, particularly so if the prisoners displayed good behavior. Such release shall not take place if the Commander or Chief of Military Police object to it, and the word of the Commanding Officer shall be final. Prisoners whose release have been denied shall be escorted by Military Police to a safe location, in accordance with orders from the command structure.
Synthetics
United States Colonial Marine Corps Synthetics
Synthetics in service in the United States Colonial Marine Corps are coded to fully understand and adhere to Marine Law. They may therefore not be arrested without authorisation from High Command. Synthetics in conflict with Marine Law shall be reported to High Command. For all other judicial matters, synthetics shall be granted the same status as a service member.
Allied Synthetics
Several agencies, corporations, and colonies, from or allied with the United Americas make use of synthetics. These synthetics shall be granted similar status as their counterparts from the United States Colonial Marine Corps, with the exception that their arrest may be ordered solely by the Commander or Chief of Military Police and without authorisation from High Command . Synthetics that violate Marine Law or that act subersive to the United States Colonial Marine Corps, such as by taking highly valuable supplies without request or deconstructing defenses, may be declared rogue by the Commander or Chief of Military Police and disabled with all necessary force.
Commanding Officer Provisions
Arrest Immunity
The Commanding Officer is not above Marine Law but may not be arrested for crimes committed without authorisation from High Command. Contact shall be made with High Command in case of criminal conduct or abuse of powers from the Commanding Officer. The right to contact High Command for this purpose may not be denied. Military Police shall present a written warrant from High Command to the Commanding Officer for the arrest to be valid, unless the arrest order was made known directly to the Commanding Officer by High Command. Attempting to illegally arrest the Commanding Officer constitutes sedition.
Execution Privileges
The Commanding Officer may perform battlefield executions. They may summarily execute anyone under their authority, in their vessel, facility or area of operations unless the person is in Military Police custody. The individual to be executed shall be guilty of a capital crime or represent one of the following :
- A threat to the command, by credibly threatening or attempting to undermine, usurp, override or overthrow the command.
- A threat to persons, by credibly threatening or attempting to harm the Commanding Officer, or someone else in the presence of the Commanding Officer.
- A threat to the vessel, facility, or mission, by credibly threatening or attempting to do them damage.
Such executions shall be performed in person by the Commanding Officer with their assigned sidearm, or a different weapon if required, in a way to avoid collateral damage and risks to innocent parties. They may therefore not be conducted through the use of heavy explosive ordnance or irregular weaponry. An announcement shall be made by the Commanding Officer at the earliest opportunity and within a reasonable time, explaining the reason for the execution and noting the position, rank and name of the deceased.
Detainment Privileges
The Commanding Officer may order discretionary arrests. They may summarily order to be detained for any reason and duration anyone under their authority, in their vessel, facility or area of operations. Such discretionary arrests shall be ordered by the Commanding Officer to incarcerate individuals who have not committed any crime but proved a risk to operational security, or to extend the sentence of individuals whose actions warrant harsher punishment than Marine Law accounted for. Discretionary arrests may only be appealed to High Command. Only the Commanding Officer may otherwise order the release of prisoners under discretionary detainment. The Commander or Chief of Military Police may also order such release to take place in cases where the Commanding Officer would be permanently unable to do so, due to fatal injuries or cryosleep, with the word of the Chief of Military Police being final. The Commanding Officer may not be charged with prevarication after ordering the release of prisoners under discretionary detainment.
Pardons
The Commanding Officer may exceptionally and individually pardon criminals if they believe it to be in the best interests of the mission. Perpetrators charged with minor and major crimes may be pardoned while those charged with capital crimes may not, except in special circumstances with authorisation from High Command. The Commanding Officer shall take responsability for the conduct of the perpetrator after release and may be held accountable for further criminal actions committed by those they pardoned. Military Police may request the arrest of the Commanding Officer to High Command in such cases. The Commanding Officer shall do his best to investigate the situation and take knowledge of the crimes and the interval in which they were commited before issuing a pardon. An announcement shall be made by the Commanding Officer including the position, rank and name of the person being pardoned, as well as the crimes being pardoned and the reason for issuing the pardon. Such announcement may be made after issuing the pardon and release order, and the Commanding Officer shall not need to be there for the release itself.
Arrest Cancellations
The Commanding Officer may invoke their pardoning authority to cancel the arrest of a person before they are placed in the brig and processed. This shall follow the same procedure as pardons. Arrest cancellations may not be used on perpetrators in the process of committing a crime, or already processed and confined. Arrest warrants from High Command may not be cancelled.
Demotions
The Commanding Officer may demote from their rank or position, relieve from duty, and discharge or fire from the United States Colonial Marine Corps, any officer, enlisted person, or civilian under their authority and in their employ. The Commanding Officer may take such actions without necessarily ordering the arrest of the individual, or as additional punishment or measure to an arrest. The severity of the actions shall fit the gravity of the circumstances. Such demotions in position shall follow the same procedure than demotions for crimes committed. Officers and enlisted persons relieved from duty shall be allowed to retain their rank, and officers shall have their right to carry sidearms revoked.
General Article
The Commanding Officer may find the behavior of an officer or enlisted person to be inappropriate, contrary to good order and deserving of punishment even if they have not committed a crime. This may be comporting themselves in an unprofessional manner, failing to complete a task satisfactorily or failing to uphold standards of good order. The Commanding Officer may then issue a non-judicial punishment to the individual in question.
Standard Operating Procedure
The Commanding Officer may alter any aspect of the Standard Operating Procedure of their own command, unless indicated otherwise, as long as these alterations do not conflict with Marine Law. Alterations to Standard Operating Procedure shall not be done to the extent of griefing others, but instead with regards to the burden they would impose on personnel. Military Police shall be informed of alterations to Standard Operating Procedure through announcements before their implementation.
Additional Definitions
- Announcements are messages broadcasted through the public address system of a vessel, facility, or unit, and audible to all personnel of the command.
- An area of operations is defined as an area outside of a vessel or facility of the United States Colonial Marine Corps where its forces conduct combat and non-combat activities to accomplish tasks and missions. It can be extended by the Commander in accordance with strategic needs.
Contact Information
Marine Law is Currently handled by Provost Chief Marshal Ferdinand Dome
- Contact: “forest2001” on the USCM Galactic Discord Server.
