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Chuck Hagel: Reform military judicial system to combat sexual assault
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/04/08/chuck-hagel-reform-military-judicial-system-to-combat-sexual-assault/
Chuck Hagel: Reform military judicial system to combat sexual assault
By Agence France-Presse
Monday, April 8, 2013 20:11 EDT
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel on Monday said US commanders should be barred from overturning criminal convictions, in the wake of anger over a quashed guilty verdict in a sexual assault case.
Under Hagel’s proposal, which would have to be approved by lawmakers, commanders would still have the power to alter sentences handed down in court martial cases, defense officials said.
“These changes, if enacted by Congress, would help ensure that our military justice system works fairly, ensures due process, and is accountable,” Hagel said in a statement.
The move comes amid mounting concern over sexual assault in the armed forces and outrage in Congress over the case of Lieutenant Colonel James Wilkerson, whose conviction for aggravated sexual assault was overturned by Air Force Lieutenant General Craig Franklin.