SFJAG Introduction
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What is the Star Fleet Judge Advocate General's Corps and what does it do?
SFJAG is an often overlooked but critical part of Star Fleet life, charged with protecting the rights that all Federation citizens hold dear. The SFJAG Corps is an independent command within Star Fleet. Also, SFJAG members are independent of the chains of command of the accused and victims, therefore free from unlawful influence. When exercising prosecutorial powers, duties, and functions Advocates and Judges execute their respective roles in a manner that is fair and impartial.
The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) stands as the bedrock of the criminal justice system across all Star Fleet facilities and installations. Within this framework, SFJAG Advocates and Judges play a pivotal role in the interpretation and application of these laws, striving to bolster the operational prowess of Star Fleet by upholding discipline, efficiency, and morale within every unit. The SFJAG Corps has the exclusive authority to withdraw or dismiss the charges or refer the charges to a general or special court-martial.
Commanders are given significant roles in the military justice system because discipline is essential to mission readiness. At the same time, there are extensive safeguards to protect against abuse of authority. Likewise, the UCMJ is responsible for providing judges and lawyers to conduct trials in order to determine the guilt or innocence of the accused. Thus, after the Star Fleet Security and Investigation Service (SFSECIS) has taken a subject into custody, it is the responsibility of SFJAG to determine if the charges have merit, set a bond, provide for both the prosecution and defense, and then assign whatever discipline is warranted.
The second role of the Judge Advocate General is to provide on site legal interpretations for the command staff trying to understand that minor point in intergalactic law. Gone are the days of cowboy diplomacy where the person with the biggest guns were right. Now, Star Fleet officers are expected and required to follow intergalactic treaties when dealing with other races. Although computers can provide every small detail of a treaty, SFJAG provides the interpretations changing the written laws into answers for people who aren't lawyers. In effect, SFJAG provides the bridge between the written treaties or laws and carrying them out.
UPDATE HISTORY:
SD 180706 - Created by Sareka
SD 350904 - Minor verbiage errors corrected & content expanded - by Michael Dailey
