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Uniform Code of Military Justice
This document serves as a quick-reference legal digest of the United States Colonial Marines Uniform Code of Military Justice. It is intended for citation, procedural guidance, and legal interpretation within the Area of Operations (AO) of all USCM vessels and installations. For formal citation, refer to section, subsection, and paragraph as per encoded format (e.g., "Section 5, B) 3)"). This reference guide retains full legal standing unless superseded by updated regulations or direct orders from High Command or the Provost Marshal Office.
CRITICAL CHANGE: APPEALS MUST BE CONDUCTED VIA APPEAL FORM PR301A
Section 1 – General Provisions
A) Definitions and Verbiage
To ensure clarity within this document, certain terms are used for specific roles and procedures.
1) Commanding Officer
a) Defined as a whitelisted USCM Commanding Officer.
b) All references to "Commanding Officer" apply only to whitelisted COs.
c) These rights are non-transferable.
2) Commander
a) Refers to the current Commander of the ship.
b) Includes Acting Commanders and successors within the Chain of Command.
c) These rights are transferable to new Commanders.
i) In cases of temporary incapacity:
- The next in command may act as Duty Officer alongside the Commander.
- Examples of temporary incapacity include:
1) Communications offline and Commander is missing/unreachable.
2) Commander has deployed into the field.
ii) In cases of permanent incapacity:
- The next in command becomes the new Commander.
- Examples include:
1) Death beyond rescue.
2) Arrest or removal due to mutiny.
3) Communications lost and unlikely to be restored.
3) Duty Officer
a) Highest-ranking available officer per the Chain of Command when the Commander is unavailable.
b) Inherits Commander rights unless explicitly excluded.
c) Interchangeable with the Commander where appropriate.
4) Chief MP
a) Chief of Military Police.
b) Second highest authority in Marine Law in the AO.
c) Rights are non-transferable except where explicitly stated (e.g., to Warden or acting Warden).
5) MP (Military Police)
a) Includes deputised XO’s, SO’s, or Synthetics enforcing Marine Law.
b) Rights are non-transferable.
6) Officer
a) Any person commissioned into the USCM.
b) Rights are non-transferable.
7) Delegation and Appointments
a) If a specific role is unavailable, a specific person may be appointed following the Chain of Command.
b) Only the Commander may make such appointments.
8) Lawful Arrest/Search
a) Defined as an arrest/search following standing procedures and contextually appropriate conduct.
b) If suspects flee before intent is declared or doing so would be unsafe:
i) Verbal indication is not required prior to arrest.
ii) It must be given as soon as feasible post-detainment.
Section 2 – Charges and Sentencing
A) Charges System
1) Charges are logged via the automated Jurisdictional Automated System (JAS).
2) The JAS assigns brig timers based on charges.
3) Brig timers:
a) Cannot exceed 30 minutes unless:
i) A Capital Crime has been committed.
ii) A new crime is committed while already jailed.
b) In the case of a Capital Crime committed in jail, the timer is escalated accordingly.
B) Civilian Expectations
1) All USCM-employed personnel, including civilians (e.g., Corporate Liaison, Combat Correspondent), must follow Marine Law.
2) Civilians are subordinate to:
a) The current Commander.
b) If applicable, the Duty Officer.
Section 3 – Arrest Authorisation Rules
A) Special Role Arrests
1) Chief MP:
a) May only be arrested with approval from:
i) The Commander, or
ii) High Command.
2) MPs:
a) May only be arrested with approval from:
i) The Commander, or
ii) The Chief MP.
b) The Commander holds final authority in these matters.
3) A Duty Officer:
a) Cannot authorise arrests of MPs or the Chief MP.
Section 4 – Accessory and Conspiracy
A) Aiding, Abetting, and Conspiring
1) Assisting others in committing a crime, whether directly or indirectly, includes:
a) Providing material help.
b) Encouraging or bribing someone to commit a crime.
c) Conspiring or attempting a crime.
2) Such acts are punished as if the individual committed the original crime.
Section 5 – Spirit of the Law
A) Interpretation
1) The laws written are to be applied by their spirit and not solely by literal wording.
2) In the event of disagreement on edge cases, the Marine Law rank structure must be followed in this order:
a) High Command
b) Commanding Officer
c) Chief MP
d) Warden
e) MP
Section 6 – Non-Judicial Punishments (NJPs)
A) Authority and Applicability
1) MP’s or SEA may issue NJPs for Minor Crimes as an alternative to arrest or brig time.
2) NJPs may not be issued to individuals the issuer could not otherwise arrest:
a) This includes the Commanding Officer, Chief MP, Warden, MP, SEA, etc.
B) Consent and Consequences
1) Refusal of an NJP results in serving the original charge or a default 10-minute brig sentence.
2) Accepting an NJP waives the right to appeal.
C) Compliance and Limitations
1) Failure to comply with an accepted NJP results in a resisting arrest charge in addition to the original sentence.
a) This does not apply if the subject made a legitimate attempt to comply.
2) NJPs are a one-time offer.
a) Refusal eliminates the option to accept it for the same charge in the future.
3) The decision to offer or deny an NJP cannot be overridden by higher-ranking MPs.
4) NJPs can be issued to individuals in a cell only if:
a) Their total sentence is 10 minutes or less.
b) The charge is not a major crime.
c) They did not previously refuse the NJP for the same charge.
i) Re-offering an NJP after refusal is not permitted.
ii) A superior may proactively forbid NJP offers to incarcerated persons on a case-by-case basis.
- This must be done beforehand and not retroactively.
5) The NJP cannot take longer than the remaining brig timer.
a) This does not apply to NJPs assigned for new charges.
6) In Officer Ordered Arrests:
a) The Chief MP, Warden, or Commander may choose to apply an NJP instead of the original charge.
D) Further Information
1) NJPs may include reprimands, PT, extra duties, or reassignment to a new post.
2) They must not endanger the marine’s health.
3) NJPs may not exceed the length of the original brig timer.
a) Maximum NJP duration is 10 minutes if no timer is assigned.
4) Orders to perform tasks outside one’s duties, when punishment-related, count as NJPs.
a) These require a named criminal offense.
b) The exception is the Commanding Officer’s NJP directive.
Section 7 – Military Police and Lawbreaking
A) Violations by MPs
1) MPs breaking Marine Law is a serious offense.
2) Upon arrest of an MP for such violations:
a) They must be charged with Neglect of Duty in addition to the original charge.
b) This does not upgrade a minor crime to a major one.
B) Appeal and Removal
1) If an appeal or pardon is denied:
a) The MP is removed from law enforcement duty.
b) If no appeal or pardon is requested, denial is assumed by default.
2) In Minor Crimes:
a) Demotion is at the discretion of:
i) The Commanding Officer
ii) Or the Chief MP
iii) Or the Commander if the above are unavailable
b) These decisions cannot be altered.
C) Reassignment
1) Enlisted MPs are to serve in squad roles or other shipboard duties.
a) This is subject to approval by the appropriate Head of Department or direct assignment by the Commanding Officer.
2) Officer MPs are to be assigned to CIC roles unless dismissed by the Commander for other duties.
Section 8 – Application of Marine Law
A) Jurisdiction
1) The UCMJ applies to all personnel in the vicinity of a USCM Operation or aboard a USCM ship, including:
a) Commander
b) Chief MP
c) UPP, Freelancers, PMC’s, other factions and organisations
2) Exceptions:
a) Specially dispatched officials from High Command or the Provost Marshal Office
b) Diplomatically Immune Company Executives (not the onboard Liaison)
3) Riot MP ERTs are subject to Marine Law and function as standard MPs.
4) USCM Flag Officers (O7 or above):
a) Are presumed immune to Marine Law unless stated otherwise.
b) May still be reported to their superiors or faxed about.
B) Law Enforcement Authority
1) On USCM ships and operations, the law is enforced by:
a) Military Police
b) The Chief MP
2) MPs operate independently of the standard command structure in matters relating to law enforcement.
3) The Commanding Officer of the Almayer has final authority on law enforcement unless overruled by:
a) High Command
b) Provost Marshal Office
4) The Chief MP is the second highest authority in law enforcement:
a) May perform arrests
b) Administers the brig
c) Ensures proper record keeping and timer setting
d) Reviews evidence and case validity
C) MP Discretion and Conduct
1) MPs may ignore Minor Crimes at their discretion unless ordered to act.
2) MPs may never commit crimes themselves, regardless of severity.
a) MPs cannot be forced to ignore Minor Crimes.
b) MPs breaking Marine Law cannot be ignored.
D) Preservation of Life
1) If life or limb is at risk, personnel may act outside Marine Law to preserve life.
a) These actions must be reasonable under the circumstances.
2) Examples of acceptable violations:
a) Entering a restricted room to save someone in danger
b) Breaking barriers (window, door, wall) to assist a dying or mortally wounded individual
3) Abuse of this principle may result in:
a) Action by High Command
b) Punishments including Execution or pay docking
Section 9 – Lawful Orders
A) Duty to Obey
1) Personnel must follow all lawful orders from superiors.
2) Personnel are NOT required to follow unlawful orders.
B) Unlawful Orders
1) Defined as any order that would result in a breach of Marine Law if carried out.
2) Refusal to follow an unlawful order must be justified by the subordinate with reasoning.
3) Giving an unlawful order with malicious intent, or an order that is followed, results in:
a) The order-giver receiving the same punishment as the person who carried it out.
4) Punitive orders that cause Neglect of Duty are unlawful unless part of an NJP.
a) Example: “Stand here for 10 minutes,” “Run laps around the hangar,” etc.
Section 10 – Officer Ordered Arrests
A) Arrest Directives
1) If a Commissioned Officer orders an arrest for a crime, MPs MUST comply.
2) Only the following may order the arrest of an MP:
a) The Commander
b) The Chief MP
c) A Duty Officer may NOT give this order
3) The suspect may be held for 10 minutes post-brig arrival while evidence is gathered.
4) If the suspect is proven innocent, the officer who requested the arrest may be charged with Prevarication.
5) Any crimes committed during the arrest must still be sentenced.
B) NJP in Officer Arrests
1) The Chief MP or Commander may issue an NJP instead of a brig timer for minor charges.
2) If an NJP was offered and refused previously, it may not be offered again for the same charges.
C) Order Requirements
1) The officer must clearly express the intention for the suspect to be arrested for it to be enforced.
2) The arrest order may be rescinded by the officer any time before detainment.
3) An officer may not order the arrest of a superior in rank.
Section 11 – Vicarious Prosecution
A) Victim's Rights
1) In all cases excluding capital crimes, grievous bodily harm, or Neglect of Duty:
a) The victim of a perceived crime may drop charges.
b) MPs or prosecutors must then release the defendant.
2) Continuing prosecution or detaining after charges are dropped constitutes Prevarication.
a) The defendant may be held for no more than five minutes during this time.
B) Appeals to Arrest
1) Within the five-minute window, MPs must contact the Provost Marshal Office if they seek to continue the arrest.
2) If no appeal is sent, or if no reply is received within three minutes of submission:
a) The defendant must be released.
b) Continued detainment is unlawful.
Section 12 – Arrest Procedures
A) Arresting a Suspect
1) The standard arrest procedure is as follows:
a) Inform the suspect they are under arrest.
b) Take down the suspect if they resist and securely restrain them.
c) Move the suspect to the brig.
d) Inform the suspect of their charges before the brig timer starts.
e) Inform the suspect they may file an appeal if they wish.
B) Lethal Force
1) Lethal force may be authorised by:
a) The Chief MP
b) The Commander
c) When responding to emergencies such as mutinies, boardings, or suspects using lethal weapons
2) If non-lethal weaponry is unavailable, an MP may use lethal force if:
a) The suspect is a threat to the crew or the ship.
b) Lethal force must cease once the suspect no longer presents harm.
3) Rules of engagement for lethal force:
a) A detained and securely restrained suspect is under MP custody and must not be harmed.
b) If the Chief MP or Commander are unresponsive or incapacitated, MPs may use lethals freely during Code Red or higher.
c) Lethals may be used immediately if non-lethals are ineffective (e.g., against rogue synthetics).
i) Lethal force is a last resort.
ii) The synthetic must be given a chance to surrender.
iii) After takedown, synthetics must be repaired and revived in secure custody.
iv) They should be released after serving their sentence.
C) Field Arrests
1) Field arrests are limited to:
a) The FOB
b) Dropships
c) Other secure areas
2) If in “hot pursuit,” MPs may pursue fleeing suspects outside secure zones.
3) If hostiles are nearby, the arrest must be aborted and relocated to a secure area.
4) MPs may move between secure zones but must not conduct arrests in transit.
a) Arrested persons must be transported safely.
b) During boarding situations (e.g., Delta Alert), arrests are only permitted if the individual presents danger to the Almayer or its personnel.
5) If arresting shipside crew on authorised deployment:
a) The relevant Head of Department must be informed.
b) In their absence, the acting Commander Officer (aCO) must be informed.
c) A replacement should be arranged where possible, with a delay no longer than five minutes.
Section 13 – Search Procedures
A) Personnel Searches
1) May be conducted by:
a) The Commander
b) Military Police personnel
2) Requirements:
a) Must be approved by:
i) The Chief MP
ii) The Warden
iii) The Commander
b) If waiting causes further hazard to personnel or ship, retroactive approval is acceptable.
c) Witnessing a crime allows post-arrest search approval.
3) Procedure:
a) Inform the subject of the search and the reason.
b) Conduct the search in an isolated or brig area to prevent theft.
c) Confiscate illegal items; use non-lethal force if necessary.
d) Secure confiscated items until search completion.
i) If unable, request another MP transport them to Evidence Storage.
e) If items justify brig time, follow Detainment and Brig procedures.
f) Otherwise, release the subject.
4) Return unnecessary evidence to Requisitions.
5) Improper search procedure may result in a Neglect of Duty charge.
6) Searches do not qualify for Prevarication charges.
B) Area Searches
1) Area searches must be approved by:
a) The Chief MP
b) The Warden
c) The Commander
2) In emergencies, approval may be obtained after the search.
3) Procedure:
a) Announce the intent to search and vacate unrelated personnel.
b) Inform responsible parties onsite of the reason for the search.
c) Obtain access to the area; if none are present, trained personnel may override access controls.
d) Conduct the search, collect, and secure evidence.
e) Restore the area to its prior state as best as possible.
f) Reopen the area to normal use.
g) Bring all evidence to the brig for processing.
h) Return unused evidence to Requisitions.
Section 14 – Detainment and Brig Procedures
A) Timer Policy
1) If a prisoner is removed from their cell for any reason:
a) Their timer is PAUSED.
b) Time outside the cell does not count toward sentence completion.
2) Exception:
a) If the timer has started and processing is not yet complete, this time DOES count.
B) Brigging Checklist
To properly brig a prisoner, the following steps must be followed (in any order):
a) Set charges and print the timer from JAS.
b) Insert the charge sheet into the cell timer panel and activate it.
c) Dress the prisoner in an orange uniform and shoes.
d) Provide a standard headset.
e) Remove their ID if possible.
f) Escort the prisoner into the cell, buckle them to the bed, flash/stun, recover cuffs, and exit the cell.
g) Search belongings for contraband.
h) Update records with "Prisoner" status, charges, and sentence time.
i) Once time is served, return belongings, escort them out, and update record to “Released.”
C) SSD Prisoners
1) If SSD at sentence end:
a) Redress them, secure pouches, place in Brig Cryo.
2) If SSD over 5 minutes:
a) May be cryoed.
b) If they return, they must serve remaining time.
Section 15 – Demotions
A) Conditions for Demotion
1) Demotions may only occur when explicitly listed as a possible consequence of a crime.
2) Permission must be granted by:
a) The relevant Head of Department of the arrested person.
b) If they are a Head of Department, approval must come from the Commander.
B) Demotion Outcomes
1) The demoted individual is reassigned to a lower position within their department.
2) If no such position exists:
a) They are reassigned to a rifleman role.
3) Riflemen being demoted:
a) Are discharged and become civilian passengers.
4) Demoted MPs:
a) May be reassigned to any shipside department if:
i) They have relevant skills.
ii) The department head grants permission.
C) Commanding Officer Authority
1) The Commanding Officer has special authority:
a) May authorise demotions or discharges beyond explicit punishment listings.
b) [<a href="https://cm-ss13.com/wiki/Marine_Law#Demotion_Clause">Demotion Clause Reference</a>]
Section 16 – Executions
A) Execution Criteria
1) May only be performed if:
a) The prisoner committed a crime with execution as a punishment.
b) The prisoner’s brig timer exceeds one hour (permanent confinement).
2) Authorisation must come from:
a) The Commanding Officer
b) OR BOTH the Commander and the Chief MP (or Warden if no Chief MP).
3) Permanent prisoners may be executed later if Alert is Red or Delta.
4) Duty Officers cannot authorise executions.
B) Emergency Circumstances
1) During Delta Alert or threats mandating evacuation:
a) Standard procedures may be ignored.
C) Execution Announcement Procedure
1) An announcement must be made ship-wide by:
a) The Commander
b) OR the Chief MP
2) Announcement must state:
a) Intent to execute.
b) Reason.
c) Method of execution.
3) Approved methods:
a) Firing Squad – by MPs or the Commanding Officer.
b) Lethal Injection – by the CMO.
4) Restrictions:
a) Only standard firearms may be used (rifles, sidearms, shotguns).
b) No explosives or cruel weapons.
c) Chief MP, Warden, or Commanding Officer may allow others to join firing line (victims only).
D) Execution Conduct Procedure
1) The Condemned may request:
a) One tobacco product.
b) One food item.
c) One drink.
d) A blindfold.
e) Up to 3 observers from the designated viewing room.
2) Required presence:
a) Commander, Chief MP, or Warden (in their absence).
3) Final words:
a) Must be permitted before execution.
b) May use radio even if previously confiscated.
c) If final requests take more than 2 minutes, execution proceeds.
Section 17 – Prisoner Rights
A) Fundamental Rights
1) Prisoners have the following rights, which cannot be denied except in extreme situations with authorisation from:
a) Chief MP
b) Warden
c) Commander
2) Prisoners may fax High Command to:
a) Request restoration of denied rights.
b) Report malpractice.
3) All rights are protected except "Access to a Radio," which may be revoked if necessary.
B) The Courtyard (Common Space)
1) All prisoners are permitted access to the courtyard/common space by default.
2) Exceptions:
a) Permanently brigged prisoners do not have this right by default.
b) They may be granted courtyard access with escort as a reward for good behaviour.
3) This right may be revoked in the following scenarios:
a) During mutinies, riots, or emergency situations.
b) During or after active jailbreak attempts.
c) If the prisoner commits a crime while in the brig.
i) This right can be restored by the Chief MP, Warden, or Commander.
C) Protection and Medical Treatment
1) All prisoners must be kept safe and unharmed.
2) While any prisoner is brigged:
a) An MP or the Chief MP must remain in the brig at all times.
b) Exception: if all prisoners are permanently confined or during an Emergency Situation.
3) Treatment Guidelines:
a) Medical treatment should occur inside the brig when possible.
b) The arresting MP must ensure someone is present in the brig to supervise prisoners.
c) The Surgical Tray must remain in the brig unless Red/Delta Alert is active.
4) If infirmary treatment is required:
a) An MP must escort the prisoner and monitor them throughout treatment.
b) If self-harm is detected, a straitjacket may be used for the sentence duration.
D) Access to a Radio
1) Prisoners are entitled to a standard headset unless they abuse it.
2) Abuse includes excessive spam, repeated help calls after being told to stop, etc.
3) Process for radio removal:
a) A warning must be issued explaining the abuse.
b) The prisoner must be given a chance to stop before denial.
4) Additional Conditions:
a) Prisoners may request an appeal without limitation.
b) During a mutiny, radios may be denied, but only for the duration of the event.
Section 18 – Right to Appeal
A) Appeal Process
1) An appeal allows a case to be reviewed by a higher authority.
2) Appeals are for error correction only.
a) They may NOT be used to add new charges or increase punishment once the brig timer is set.
B) Appeal Timing
1) Appeals must be handled in a timely manner.
2) The specific process and timeline for submitting and reviewing appeals continues in the next section...
C) Appeal Rights and Responsibilities
1) All personnel under Marine Law jurisdiction have the right to appeal their punishment to:
a) The Chief MP, or
b) The Commander
c) Either may designate another to handle the appeal.
d) If the appeal involves either the Chief MP or Commander, they must delegate to an uninvolved MP or Commissioned Officer.
2) The Appeal Handler has final authority over the appeal.
a) Individuals involved in the arrest, charge selection, or sentencing should not handle the appeal.
3) Appeal Handler Powers:
a) Confirm charge validity.
b) Modify a charge to a lesser charge.
c) Reduce punishment to the minimum for the charge.
d) Remove invalid or incorrect charges.
e) Charges cannot be removed if guilt is clear.
4) Appeal Timeline:
a) Once a prisoner requests an appeal, they must be given a PR301a Appeal Form within 5 minutes.
b) Upon form completion, the Appeal Handler must attend and begin review within 5 minutes.
5) Neglect of Duty applies if:
a) An MP, Chief MP, or Commander fails to respond to a valid appeal request.
6) Appeals must be handled before:
a) Executions
b) Demotions
c) NJPs
d) Brig timers run during appeal process unless the punishment has no brig sentence.
7) Appeals cannot modify punishments unrelated to the charges being appealed.
a) Marines may be held in custody pending appeal for non-brig sentences.
D) Suspending Appeals
1) Appeal rights may be suspended during:
a) Delta Alert
b) Threats requiring evacuation
c) Hostile boarding or threats approaching the ship
d) Riots or jailbreaks
2) Appeals may be postponed if:
a) The marine is unconscious and requires medical treatment.
b) Another appeal was requested earlier and is unresolved.
c) The marine is unreachable (e.g., escaped).
3) Invalid reasons to postpone appeals include:
a) Commander or Chief MP being busy.
b) The prisoner being ruled insane.
E) Proper Appeal Procedure
To ensure proper and fair appeals, follow these steps:
1) List all charges with associated punishments (done by MP or Appeal Handler).
2) Appeals must be conducted in person (excluding remote witness testimony).
3) Appeals MUST be handled via a PR301a Appeal Form.
4) If charges are incorrectly applied, they must be removed.
a) Appeals may not add new charges or increase punishment after brig timer is set.
5) Outcomes should be determined per individual charge.
a) General responses to the appeal are not acceptable.
b) Final punishment should reflect remaining charges only.
6) The Appeal Handler makes the final decision.
a) They may not be ordered or forced to rule a certain way.
b) Retaliation for handling or ruling on an appeal is prohibited.
i) Exception: If appeal procedure is violated, a Neglect of Duty charge may apply.
F) Appeals Checklist
Recommended steps for Appeal Handlers:
1) Are you physically present with the accused?
2) Have the charges and punishments been clearly stated?
3) Have you heard the accuser’s account?
4) Have you heard witness testimony?
5) Have you heard the accused’s account?
6) Have you examined additional evidence?
7) Does the evidence support the charges and testimonies?
8) Have mitigating circumstances been considered?
9) Have you reached a decision?
10) Have you informed the accused of the outcome for each charge?
11) Have you adjusted the prisoner’s punishment accordingly?
12) Have you informed the prisoner of their right to fax High Command for an additional appeal?
G) Appeals to the Provost Marshal Office
1) Prisoners may appeal to High Command after a standard appeal is denied, or instead of using the standard appeal process.
2) If the prisoner faces execution:
a) The Provost Marshal Office has 10 minutes to reply.
b) If no response is received, the execution may proceed.
3) If this appeal is used instead of a standard one:
a) Expiry of the reply window counts as denial.
4) Prisoners invoking this right must be given:
a) A pen and paper to write a fax.
b) If restrained, they may dictate the fax.
c) The fax must be transmitted as soon as possible.
5) This right may be suspended during:
a) Delta Alert
b) Evacuation events
c) Hostile approach or boarding
Section 19 – Special Provisions
A) Medical Experiments
1) Individuals may waive their rights to participate in medical experiments.
2) Researchers performing approved experiments are not liable for harm within approved parameters.
3) All experiments require signed approval from:
a) The Commander (not the Duty Officer), or
b) The Chief Medical Officer (CMO).
4) Prisoners may request to participate as subjects.
a) Their timer continues running during participation.
b) If their timer ends during the experiment, they are free to leave.
c) Experiments resulting in prisoner death are only allowed if execution was otherwise legal.
B) Insanity
1) Defined as a state of mind preventing understanding or lawful responsibility.
2) Can only be declared by:
a) The CMO, or
b) A Synthetic (who cannot be forced to make this declaration).
3) If no CMO or Synthetic is available:
a) The Commander or Chief MP may appoint a qualified medical officer to evaluate.
b) This should only be done as a last resort.
C) Mutinies and Arresting the Commander
1) Attempting to overthrow legitimate command is illegal.
2) MPs must seek approval from High Command before taking action against the Commanding Officer.
3) If no CO is present, the Commander may be arrested, but High Command must be notified after the fact.
4) If a mutiny is successful:
a) The deposed Commander must be held to avoid reigniting conflict.
b) A Duty Officer next in line may be bypassed if in doubt.
D) Self-Defense and Defense of Others
1) No charges shall apply for reasonable, proportional force used in self-defence or to defend others in danger.
2) Lawful executions are not covered by this provision.
3) Proportional Force Examples:
a) Fist against fist
b) Melee weapon against melee weapon
c) Gun against gun
4) Lethal force may be used until the attacker is unable to continue.
5) Defenders must notify MPs or command.
6) Victims should attempt to flee and alert MPs when possible.
E) Emergency Situations
1) During severe emergencies (e.g., boarding, compromised brig):
a) Non-violent prisoners (minor or major crimes) may be released by:
i) The Chief MP
ii) Warden
iii) Commanding Officer
2) Violent or capital crime prisoners should not be released unless absolutely necessary.
3) Prisoners must be evaluated on an individual basis for risk and behaviour.
a) This does not require face-to-face evaluation.
4) Dangerous prisoners should be:
a) Escorted to an escape pod by a Commissioned Officer or MP.
b) Kept under supervision for crew safety.
5) A normal Red Alert is NOT sufficient reason for prisoner release.
a) Release only applies when the ship is overrun or evacuation is required.
Section 20 – Synthetic Units and Marine Law
A) The Almayer Synthetics
1) Almayer Synthetics cannot break Marine Law and cannot be arrested without:
a) Approval from High Command via fax.
2) Almayer Synthetics have equal rights and privileges to marines.
3) If MPs believe a Synthetic has broken Marine Law:
a) The incident must be faxed to High Command.
b) The Synthetic Council will review the case.
4) If an Officer orders a Synthetic’s arrest:
a) MPs must refuse the order.
b) The Officer must fax High Command for approval.
5) Synthetic units not part of the USCM do not receive arrest immunity.
B) Survivor Synthetics
1) Weyland-Yutani Synths (Colony Synths) have similar rights to Almayer Synths.
2) Their arrest may be ordered by:
a) The Commander, or
b) The Chief MP
c) No need to fax High Command.
3) These synths are protected by Marine Law as though they are Almayer Synths.
4) If a survivor synth acts subversively (e.g., stealing high-value items, deconstructing defences):
a) They may be declared rogue by:
i) The CO
ii) The XO
iii) The current acting Commander
b) Once declared rogue:
i) They lose all protection.
ii) They may be neutralised.
5) A Duty Officer cannot declare a synthetic as rogue.
Section 21 – Commanding Officer Provisions
A) Arrest Immunity
1) The Commanding Officer is not exempt from Marine Law.
2) However, they may not be arrested without explicit approval from High Command.
3) If the Commanding Officer breaks Marine Law:
a) High Command must be contacted via fax.
b) This right to fax may not be denied.
4) If the Commanding Officer is deposed due to mutiny:
a) MPs must confine them if their freedom risks further conflict.
b) They lose immunity and are no longer considered Commander.
B) Execution Privileges
1) The Commanding Officer may perform Battlefield Executions (BEs) without warning or procedure.
a) This does not apply to those in MP custody.
b) Executions must be done personally and without collateral damage.
2) Grounds for Battlefield Execution:
a) A threat to command through illegal undermining or removal.
b) A threat to persons, especially in the CO's presence.
c) A threat to the ship or operation in the CO’s presence.
3) Restrictions:
a) BEs must be individual and in-person.
b) Orbital Cannon and indirect methods are prohibited.
c) An announcement must follow the execution, stating the reason and name.
d) BEs may not be performed on prisoners unless standard execution is impossible (e.g., Delta Alert).
4) Alternative execution methods may be requested to High Command during emergencies.
C) Escort Missions
1) The Commanding Officer may request escorts:
a) Up to two MPs to guard the CO personally on the frontlines.
b) Unlimited MPs to escort non-combat personnel planetside (must avoid frontline).
2) Escort Procedures:
a) MPs must focus solely on protection, not Marine Law enforcement.
b) MPs must stay within line of sight of the escorted person.
c) MPs may not leave line of sight even by order of the escorted individual.
3) Security Requirements:
a) A minimum of one MP must remain on the ship.
b) The Commanding Officer defines what is needed to maintain security.
c) If this is not upheld, the decision may be reviewed by the Provost Marshal Office.
d) The Chief MP must remain onboard and may count as the required MP.
4) If the escorted individual is incapacitated:
a) The MPs must attempt recovery.
b) If not possible, they must return shipside.
D) Pardons
1) The Commanding Officer may pardon Minor and Major crimes.
2) Capital crimes may only be pardoned with permission from High Command.
3) Appeals:
a) The Chief MP or an MP may appeal the pardon via fax.
b) The Commanding Officer is responsible for further actions committed by the pardoned.
c) If High Command overturns the pardon, the CO must ensure re-arrest.
4) Process:
a) The CO must know the crimes and their timing.
b) A public announcement must be made including:
i) Name of the marine
ii) Crimes pardoned
iii) Reason for pardon
c) The CO need not be physically present for the release.
E) Cancelling Arrests
1) The CO may cancel an arrest or warrant before the subject is brigged.
2) Follows the same procedure as a regular pardon.
3) Requirements:
a) Must be announced via tablet or computer (post-order acceptable).
b) Subject to appeal by High Command.
c) CO assumes full responsibility for further actions.
d) If reoffended, MPs may request CO’s arrest.
4) Conditions:
a) CO must be in the same general area as the subject.
b) May not pardon active crimes, resistors, or already brigged persons.
c) May not cancel High Command-ordered arrests.
F) Demotion Clause
1) The Commanding Officer may demote or discharge any subordinate USCM personnel for a major crime.
2) Demotion must be department-appropriate and proportionate.
3) This is separate from standard Marine Law Demotion punishments.
G) General Article NJPs
1) The Commanding Officer may issue NJPs at any time for behavior deemed inappropriate or contrary to good order.
2) No specific crime needs to be committed.
a) Examples: unprofessional conduct, unsatisfactory job performance, failure to uphold standards.
H) Deputizing
1) The Commanding Officer may deputize the following in absence of MPs:
a) Executive Officer
b) Auxiliary Support Officer
c) Staff Officers
d) Synthetic Units
2) Deputized personnel may:
a) Make arrests
b) Enforce Marine Law
c) Must follow Marine Law procedures like MPs
Section 22 – USCM Provost Marshal Office
A) The Provost
1) Members of the Provost Marshal Office hold significant authority regarding the interpretation and enforcement of Marine Law.
2) If Marine Law is being mishandled aboard a USCM vessel or within its Area of Operations (AO):
a) High Command may dispatch a Provost Team.
b) This team may include:
i) A single Inspector and their escort.
ii) A full team of Provost Enforcers.
iii) Their purpose is to enforce law and discipline.
B) Authority
1) Members of the Provost Marshal Office:
a) Obey only their direct superiors within the Provost Office.
b) Are not subject to the USCM Chain of Command.
2) Role Definitions:
a) Provost Inspectors and above are the final authority on Marine Law within their AO.
b) Provost Advisors do not hold direct authority.
i) They are expected to ensure Marine Law is properly followed and advise others.
c) Provost Marshals are exempt from Marine Law, excluding the following:
i) They must announce Battlefield Executions publicly.
C) Contact Information
Marine Law is currently overseen by:
Provost Chief Marshal Ferdinand Dome
Contact: “forest2001” on the USCM Galactic Discord Server.