1: Title
This Act is the Armed Forces Discipline Amendment Act (No 2) 2007.
2: Commencement
This Act comes into force on a date to be appointed by the Governor-General by Order in Council, and 1 or more orders may be made appointing different dates for different provisions. OIC SR 2008/232 2009-07-01 Armed Forces Discipline Act 1971 Section 2 brought into force 1 July 2009 Armed Forces Discipline Amendment Act (No 2) 2007 Commencement Order 2008
3: Principal Act amended
This Act amends the Armed Forces Discipline Act 1971 Amendments to preliminary provisions of principal Act
4: Interpretation
1: Section 2(1) convening officer deal summarily with officer exercising summary powers reviewing authority try summarily
2: Section 2(1) commanding officer commanding officer
a: means—
i: an officer for the time being appointed or authorised to be a commanding officer for the purposes of this Act by a superior commander:
ii: an officer who is named as a commanding officer under section 16
iii: the officer who is in command of one of Her Majesty's New Zealand ships in commission (other than a tender or a boat):
iv: the officer who is in command of one of Her Majesty's New Zealand naval establishments in commission:
v: the officer who is in command of a ship declared by the Chief of Defence Force, the Chief of Navy, the Chief of Army, or the Chief of Air Force to be a service ship:
vi: the officer who is in command of a battalion or regiment:
vii: an officer of a force of another State that is declared to be serving together with a New Zealand force under section 23B of the Defence Act 1990
b: does not include any midshipman or officer cadet or chaplain .
3: Section 2(1) competent service authority competent service authority
a: means every superior commander; and
b: includes any officer, not below the rank of lieutenant commander in the Navy, major in the Army, or squadron leader in the Air Force, appointed as a competent service authority by a superior commander; but
c: does not include any chaplain .
4: Section 2(1) court-martial Court Martial section 8 of the Court Martial Act 2007 .
5: Section 2(1) detachment commander detachment commander
a: in relation to the Navy, means an officer who is for the time being posted, or authorised by his or her commanding officer to be, in command of—
i: a tender or boat; or
ii: a body of persons stationed or employed at a distance from the ship or establishment to which they belong; and
b: in relation to the Army and the Air Force, means an officer who is for the time being authorised by his or her commanding officer to act as detachment commander of a part of a unit stationed or employed at a distance from its unit headquarters; but
c: does not include any midshipman or officer cadet or chaplain .
6: Section 2(1) detainee detainee .
7: The definition of is liable section 2(1) court-martial the Court Martial
8: Section 2(1) president president .
9: Section 2(1) provost officer provost officer
a: means a provost marshal, assistant provost marshal, or other officer of the Navy, the Army, or the Air Force duly appointed to exercise the functions conferred by this Act on a provost officer; and
b: includes a person duly attached or lent as a provost officer to, or seconded for service or appointed for duty as a provost officer with, any part of the Armed Forces; but
c: does not include any midshipman or officer cadet or chaplain .
10: The definition of service prisoner section 2(1) a court-martial the Court Martial
11: Section 2(1) superior commander superior commander
a: means any of the following:
i: the Chief of Defence Force; or
ii: the Vice Chief of Defence Force; or
iii: the Chief of Navy; or
iv: the Chief of Army; or
v: the Chief of Air Force; or
vi: the Commander Joint Forces New Zealand; or
vii: an officer who is not below the rank of captain in the Navy, colonel in the Army, or group captain in the Air Force and who is appointed by any of the officers referred to in subparagraphs (i) to (vi) to act Part 5
A: are not below the rank of lieutenant commander in the Navy, major in the Army, or squadron leader in the Air Force; and
B: are under his or her command; and
C: hold a rank at least 2 grades below his or her own rank; or
viii: an officer of a force of another State that is declared to be serving together with a New Zealand force under section 23B of the Defence Act 1990 Part 5
A: are not below the rank of lieutenant commander in the Navy, major in the Army, or squadron leader in the Air Force; and
B: are under his or her command; and
C: hold a relative rank at least 2 grades below his or her own rank; but
b: does not include a commanding officer or chaplain .
12: Section 2(1) superior officer superior officer
a: means another member holding a higher rank (not being an honorary rank); and
b: includes another member of equal rank (except an honorary rank) who is entitled to exercise powers of command over him or her; but
c: does not include,—
i: for the purposes of sections 35, 36, and 38
ii: for the purposes of section 38 .
13: Section 2(1) Authority section 151 Chief Judge Defence Force Orders section 206 of this Act section 27 of the Defence Act 1990 Deputy Chief Judge Director of Military Prosecutions section 101E disciplinary officer
a: means any officer who exercises the summary powers of discipline under Part 5
b: does not include any chaplain Discipline Committee section 160 Judge
a: means a Judge of the Court Martial; and
b: includes the Chief Judge and a Deputy Chief Judge lawyer member of the Court Martial military member military tribunal
a: a disciplinary officer:
b: the Summary Appeal Court:
c: the Court Martial Registrar subordinate commander section 106 Summary Appeal Court section 118 .
14: Section 2
4: In this Act, a reference to the relationship between rank grades is a reference to the relationship that is to be regarded as existing between those rank grades as prescribed under section 17 of the Defence Act 1990
5: In this Act, a reference to this Act includes, unless the context otherwise requires, a reference to the Court Martial Act 2007
6: In this Act, a reference to counsel for an accused includes, unless the context otherwise requires, a reference to a member of the Armed Forces who undertakes the defence of an accused in the Court Martial.
7: If a charge against a person in respect of an offence is tried summarily, or otherwise dealt with, under Part 5 or 5A
a: if a disciplinary officer finds the accused guilty on the charge, that must be treated as a conviction:
b: any punishment imposed by a disciplinary officer, or by the Summary Appeal Court, must be treated as a sentence passed by the officer or Summary Appeal Court:
c: if a disciplinary officer dismisses the charge or finds the accused not guilty on the charge, or the Summary Appeal Court directs a finding of not guilty of having committed the offence to be entered, that must be treated as an acquittal.
5: Special provisions relating to the interpretation, etc, of
Part 2
1: Section 3 subsection (1A)
1A: The following provisions of the Sentencing Act 2002
a: section 6
b: sections 102 to 104
2: Despite subsection (1) section 104 of the Sentencing Act 2002 Amendments to
Part 1
6: Section 7 repealed
Section 7
7: Members of other forces attached to Armed Forces under
section 23A of Defence Act 1990 Section 9
2: However, the Governor-General may, by Order in Council,—
a: exempt all or any class of the persons specified in subsection (1)
b: modify any of the provisions of this Act so far as they relate to all or any class of the persons specified in subsection (1)
8: Spies, etc
Section 13 paragraphs (a) and (b)
a: until the charge against that person is, on investigation, dismissed by a disciplinary officer; or
b: until the disciplinary officer finds that person not guilty on the charge; or
ba: until that person is acquitted by the Court Martial; or .
9: Certain civilians closely associated with Armed Forces subject to this Act
1: Section 16(7)(d) or dealt with summarily , or otherwise dealt with, under Part 5
2: Section 16(7) paragraphs (e) and (f)
e: if a disciplinary officer finds an accused guilty of a charge, he or she must not record a finding until the accused has been given the right to elect trial by the Court Martial and, if the accused so elects,—
i: a finding must not be recorded; and
ii: the officer must take the steps that are necessary to have the charge tried by the Court Martial:
f: the amount of compensation that any such person may be ordered to pay under section 86 .
10: Certain persons sentenced under this Act to remain subject to this Act
1: Section 17(1) paragraph (a)
a: is sentenced to a term of imprisonment or detention by the Court Martial or to a term of detention by a disciplinary officer; and .
2: Section 17(2) a court-martial the Court Martial
11: Trial and punishment of person who has ceased to be subject to this Act
Section 18 court-martial the Court Martial
12: Limitation a time within which charges may be dealt with summarily or tried under this Act
1: Section 20 subsection (1)
1: A charge alleging that a person has committed an offence against this Act may be tried summarily, or otherwise dealt with, under Part 5
1A: Subsection (1) subsections (2) to (6)
2: Section 20(2) or other civil prison
3: Section 20(4) and (6) court-martial the Court Martial
4: Section 20(4) paragraph (a)
a: the charge is referred to the Director of Military Prosecutions within 6 months after the person ceased in fact to be subject to this Act; or .
5: Section 20(5) or dealt with summarily under this Act or be tried by court-martial , or otherwise dealt with, under Part 5
6: Section 20(5) paragraph (a)
a: the person is so tried or dealt with or the charge is referred to the Director of Military Prosecutions within 6 months after the person ceased to be so employed; or .
13: Person may not be tried under this Act and under the civil law in respect of same act or omission
1: Section 21(1)(a) and (c) a court-martial the Court Martial
2: Section 21(1)(b) an officer exercising summary powers a disciplinary officer
3: Section 21 subsections (3) and (4)
3: Subsection (4)
a: has been acquitted or convicted by a competent court of ordinary criminal jurisdiction, or by a court-martial or other military tribunal of the armed forces of another State, of an offence against a law in force in the country or place in which that court, court-martial, or tribunal has jurisdiction; or
b: has had an offence taken into consideration by that court, court-martial, or tribunal in sentencing him or her for another offence; or
c: has been found by that court, court-martial, or tribunal to be unfit to stand trial in relation to an offence and the proceedings against that person in the course of which the finding was made have been stayed.
4: The person must not subsequently be charged before the Court Martial or before a disciplinary officer with an offence against this Act that is substantially the same as—
a: the offence of which he or she was acquitted or convicted; or
b: the offence that was taken into consideration; or
c: the offence that was the subject of the stayed proceedings.
5: For the purposes of this section,—
a: a reference to an offence that is substantially the same as another offence is a reference to an offence of which the accused could have been convicted, under this Act or otherwise, on the same facts:
b: a reference to a person having been convicted by the Court Martial includes a reference to a person in respect of whom that Court found the charge proved but did not convict him or her:
c: a reference to a person having been convicted by a competent court of ordinary criminal jurisdiction or by a court-martial or other military tribunal of the armed forces of another State includes a reference to a person in respect of whom that court, court-martial, or tribunal found the charge proved but did not convict him or her:
d: a person must not be considered to have had an offence taken into consideration if the sentence passed on him or her is subsequently quashed, or if the decision to take the offence into consideration has been annulled by an appellate court:
e: a person is deemed to have been found guilty of an offence by a disciplinary officer even if the finding made by that officer has been quashed or the punishment imposed and any order made by the officer was quashed or varied on appeal.
14: New section 22 substituted
Section 22
22: Persons cannot be tried under this Act for offences already disposed of
1: This section applies if—
a: a person has been charged with having committed an offence against this Act and the charge was, on investigation, dismissed, or he or she was acquitted or found guilty of the offence by a disciplinary officer; or
b: a person has been acquitted or convicted of an offence by the Court Martial; or
c: a person has had an offence taken into consideration by the Court Martial in sentencing him or her for another offence; or
d: the proceedings against a person who was charged with having committed an offence against this Act have been stayed under section 101H
e: a person who was charged with having committed an offence against this Act has been found to be unfit to stand trial and the proceedings against that person in the course of which the finding was made have been stayed.
2: A subsequent charge alleging that the person committed the offence disposed of in the manner referred to in subsection (1) Part 5
3: For the purposes of this section,—
a: if a person was convicted of an offence by the Court Martial or found guilty of an offence by a disciplinary officer and the conviction or finding was quashed on appeal, he or she is deemed to have been acquitted of the offence by the Court Martial or the disciplinary officer, unless a new trial of the charge of having committed that offence was ordered by an appellate court:
b: a person must not be regarded as having had another offence taken into consideration if the sentence passed on him or her is subsequently quashed, or if the decision to take the offence into consideration has been annulled, by an appellate court. Amendments to
Part 2
15: New section 45A inserted
The following section is inserted after section 45
45A: Failure to answer bail
Every person subject to this Act commits an offence, and is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 1 year, who, having been released from custody on bail,—
a: fails without reasonable excuse to attend personally at the time and before the military tribunal or the Court Martial Appeal Court specified in the grant of bail; or
b: fails without reasonable excuse to attend personally at any time and place to which, during the course of the proceedings, the hearing has been adjourned
16: Delay or denial of justice
1: Section 69(1) paragraph (b)
b: to investigate, try summarily, or otherwise deal under Part 5 .
2: Section 69 subsection (2)
2A: Every person subject to this Act commits an offence who influences or attempts to influence, by threats or bribes or other improper means, an election under section 117D or 117M
17: New section 70 substituted
Section 70
70: Offences relating to proceedings of military tribunal or court of inquiry
1: Every person who is subject to this Act commits an offence if the person—
a: fails without reasonable excuse to comply with a summons or order to attend as a witness before a military tribunal or court of inquiry; or
b: refuses to swear an oath when required to do so by a military tribunal or court of inquiry; or
c: refuses to produce any papers, documents, records, or things in that person's possession or under that person's control that a military tribunal or court of inquiry has lawfully required the person to produce; or
d: being a witness, refuses to answer any question that a military tribunal or court of inquiry has lawfully required the person to answer; or
e: disobeys or evades any order or direction made or given by a military tribunal or court of inquiry in the course of the hearing of any proceedings before it; or
f: wilfully publishes any statement in respect of the proceedings before a military tribunal or court of inquiry that—
i: without foundation states or implies that the military tribunal or court of inquiry has not acted or is not acting impartially; or
ii: is likely to interfere with the proper administration of justice; or
g: insults, threatens, or interferes with a disciplinary officer or any member of the Summary Appeal Court, the Court Martial, or a court of inquiry while the disciplinary officer or member is attending, or is on the way to or from, the proceedings before the disciplinary officer, the Summary Appeal Court, the Court Martial, or the court of inquiry; or
h: insults, threatens, or interferes with any witness or other person under a duty to attend the proceedings before a military tribunal or court of inquiry while the witness or other person is attending, or is on the way to or from, the proceedings; or
i: interrupts the proceedings before a military tribunal or court of inquiry or otherwise misbehaves during the proceedings.
2: A person who commits an offence under subsection (1)
3: Despite subsection (2) subsection (1)(e) to (i)
a: in the case of a convicted member of the Armed Forces,—
i: to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 21 days; or
ii: except in the case of an officer, to detention for a term not exceeding 21 days; or
iii: to a fine not exceeding the amount of the person's basic pay for 28 days; or
b: in the case of any other person subject to this Act, to a fine not exceeding $1,000.
18: False evidence
Section 71(1) court-martial or before any court of inquiry or person having power by virtue of this Act to administer oaths military tribunal or a court of inquiry
19: Conduct prejudicial to service discipline
1: Section 73(1) ; or paragraph (b)
c: negligently fails to perform a duty imposed on him or her by service order, training, or custom; or
d: negligently performs a duty imposed on him or her by service order, training, or custom.
2: Section 73(3)
3: Despite anything to the contrary in any enactment or rule of law, if a person is charged with an offence against this section, the statement of offence may allege in the alternative 1 or more of the following:
a: that the person behaved in a manner that was likely to prejudice service discipline:
b: that the person behaved in a manner that was likely to bring discredit on the service to which he or she belongs or is attached, as the case may be:
c: that the person has negligently failed to perform a duty imposed on him or her by service order, training, or custom:
d: that the person negligently performed a duty imposed on him or her by service order, training, or custom.
20: Offences against the civil law of New Zealand
Section 74(4) court-martial the Court Martial Amendments to
Part 3
21: Heading to
Part 3 The heading to Part 3 courts-martial Court Martial
22: Jurisdiction of courts-martial
1: The heading to section 78 courts-martial Court Martial
2: Section 78 a duly constituted court-martial shall have the Court Martial has
23: Court-martial to pass one sentence only
1: The heading to section 79 Court-martial Court Martial
2: Section 79 a court-martial the Court Martial
3: Section 79 court Court
24: Discretion of court-martial as to punishment
1: The heading to section 80 court-martial Court Martial
2: Section 80(1) court-martial the Court Martial
3: Section 80(1) court Court
4: Section 80(3) a court-martial the Court Martial
25: Effect of period spent in custody before being sentenced
1: Section 81A(1) a court-martial the Court Martial
2: Section 81A(2) court-martial Court Martial
26: Dismissal from service and reduction in rank
1: Section 82(1), (2), and (3) a court-martial the Court Martial
2: Section 82(4)
27: Maximum term of detention
Section 83 a court-martial the Court Martial
28: Reduction in rank and forfeiture and stay of seniority of service
1: Section 84(1) and (2) a court-martial the Court Martial
2: Section 84
3: Subsections (1) and (2) Part 5 or 5A
29: Punishment by fine
1: Section 85(3) a court-martial the Court Martial
2: Section 85
4: Subsections (1) and (2)
30: Compensation for loss of, or damage to, property
1: Section 86 subsection (3)
3A: When determining the amount of compensation to be paid, the Court Martial must take into account any offer, agreement, response, measure, or action as described in section 10 of the Sentencing Act 2002
2: Section 86(1) and (4) a court-martial the Court Martial
3: Section 86(2) court-martial Court Martial
31: Restitution of property
1: Section 87(1) a court-martial the Court Martial
2: Section 87(1), (2), (3), and (4) court Court
3: Section 87(2), (3), and (4) court-martial Court Martial
32: Suspension of compensation and restitution orders made by courts-martial, etc
1: The heading to section 87A courts-martial Court Martial
2: Section 87A(1) a court-martial the Court Martial
3: Section 87A(2) Courts Martial Court Martial
4: Section 87A
3: Subsection (1)
a: a finding of guilty made by a disciplinary officer, being a finding to which section 26(1) of the Sale of Goods Act 1908
b: an order for compensation or restitution made by a disciplinary officer under section 86 or 87
4: If the operation of an order for compensation or restitution or the operation of section 26(1) of the Sale of Goods Act 1908 subsection (3)
5: Subsection (4) section 134 Amendments to
Part 4
33: Disposal of property taken in search
1: Section 99(1)(a) and (b) a court-martial or, as the case may be, an officer exercising summary powers the Court Martial or, as the case may be, a disciplinary officer
2: Section 99(1)(b) court Court
3: Section 99 subsection (2)
2: An order of forfeiture made under subsection (1)(b)
a: Part 5A
b: an appeal to the Court Martial Appeal Court, as part of the sentence imposed on the offender.
34: Delay in dealing with person after arrest
Section 101 subsections (4) to (7)
4: If any person subject to this Act remains in service custody after the expiration of 4 days from the date of his or her arrest without the alleged offence being referred to the Director of Military Prosecutions for trial by the Court Martial or without him or her being tried summarily, or otherwise dealt with, under Part 5
5: The commanding officer must make a report in writing to the Judge Advocate General stating the reasons for the delay at the conclusion of each subsequent period of 8 days, if the person is still held in service custody without the alleged offence being referred to the Director of Military Prosecutions for trial by the Court Martial or without him or her being tried summarily, or otherwise dealt with, under Part 5
35: New sections 101A to 101D inserted
The following sections are inserted after section 101
101A: Judge Advocate General may grant bail pending trial
1: This section applies to a person in service custody in relation to whom the Judge Advocate General has received a report under section 101
2: The person in service custody is not entitled to bail as of right.
3: The Judge Advocate General may—
a: grant bail to the person in service custody:
b: impose any conditions of bail that the Judge Advocate General thinks fit.
4: In determining whether to grant bail under this section, the Judge Advocate General—
a: must take into account the considerations set out in section 8(1) and (3) of the Bail Act 2000
i: the seriousness of the alleged offence:
ii: whether there are urgent and exceptional circumstances that favour the grant of bail:
iii: the effect on service discipline of remanding the person on bail; and
b: may take into account the considerations set out in section 8(2) of the Bail Act 2000
c: must not grant bail unless satisfied on the balance of probabilities that it would be in the interests of justice in the particular case to do so.
101B: Issue of warrant to arrest person absconding or breaching bail condition
1: A Judge may issue a warrant in the prescribed form for the arrest of a person who has been released on bail under section 101A
a: the Judge is satisfied by evidence on oath that—
i: for the person has absconded or is about to abscond for the purpose of evading justice; or
ii: the person has contravened or failed to comply with any condition of bail; or
b: the person—
i: does not attend personally at the time and place specified in the grant of bail; or
ii: does not attend personally at any time and place to which, during the course of the proceedings, the hearing has been adjourned.
2: The warrant—
a: must be directed to every provost officer and every member of the police; and
b: may be executed by—
i: a provost officer:
ii: a person lawfully exercising authority under or on behalf of a provost officer:
iii: a member of the police.
3: For the purpose of executing the warrant, a person referred to in subsection (2)(b)
4: The person executing the warrant—
a: must have the warrant with him or her; and
b: must produce it on initial entry and, if requested, at any subsequent time; and
c: if he or she is not in uniform, produce evidence that he or she is 1 of the persons referred to in subsection (2)(b)
101C: Person arrested under warrant for absconding or breaching bail condition must be brought before Judge Advocate General
1: A person who is arrested under a warrant issued under section 101B
2: The Judge Advocate General must reconsider the question of bail if satisfied that the person—
a: had absconded or was about to abscond; or
b: had contravened or failed to comply with any condition of bail.
101D: Restrictions in relation to midshipmen, officer cadets, and chaplains
1: A midshipman, an officer cadet, or a chaplain may not—
a: exercise the powers of arrest conferred by section 88 or 90
b: issue or execute a warrant for arrest under section 89
2: A chaplain may not be—
a: ordered to arrest a person subject to this Act under any of sections 88, 89, and 90
b: ordered to carry out a search under section 96
c: directed to search any arrested person under section 98
3: A chaplain may not be authorised or ordered by a commanding officer to exercise any of the powers conferred on a commanding officer by section 95(1) New Part 4A inserted
36: New Part 4A inserted
The following Part is inserted after section 101D (as inserted by section 35
4A: Director of Military Prosecutions
101E: Appointment of Director of Military Prosecutions
1: The Governor-General may, by warrant, appoint the Director of Military Prosecutions.
2: A person must not be appointed under subsection (1)
a: is an officer; and
b: has held a practising certificate as a barrister or solicitor of the High Court for at least 7 years.
3: The Chief of Defence Force must arrange for notice of an appointment under subsection (1) Gazette
101F: Functions and duties of Director of Military Prosecutions
The functions and duties of the Director of Military Prosecutions are—
a: to determine whether an accused is to be committed for trial in the Court Martial:
b: to decide on what charge an accused should be tried:
c: to prepare and certify the charge sheet or charge sheets against an accused:
d: to give a copy of the certified charge sheet to the accused (including any amended charge sheet so certified):
e: to lay the charge sheet or charge sheets before the Registrar of the Court Martial:
f: if 2 or more persons are accused, to direct whether they are to be tried jointly or separately:
g: to appoint counsel for the prosecution:
h: to perform any other functions or duties imposed by this Act or any other enactment.
101G: Power of Director of Military Prosecutions to direct investigation
1: The Director of Military Prosecutions may direct a provost officer to—
a: investigate any matter that the Director considers to be relevant to a charge referred to the Director; or
b: arrange the investigation of that matter.
2: A provost officer must comply with a direction given under subsection (1)
101H: Power of Director of Military Prosecutions to stay proceedings
1: The Director of Military Prosecutions may, on the application of a disciplinary officer or on his or her own motion, issue an order that the proceedings against an accused under this Act be stayed for the period that he or she thinks fit.
2: The Director of Military Prosecutions must provide a copy of the order, together with his or her written reasons for the stay, to—
a: the Solicitor-General; and
b: the disciplinary officer; and
c: the accused in question.
101I: Director of Military Prosecutions to perform functions and duties, and exercise powers, independently of ministerial control and of command
1: In performing his or her functions and duties, and exercising his or her powers, the Director of Military Prosecutions is not subject to—
a: the control of the Minister; or
b: the command of any other officer.
2: Subsection (1) sections 7 and 8 of the Defence Act 1990
3: To avoid doubt, subsection (1) section 101F
101J: Director of Military Prosecutions must report annually to Attorney-General on performance of functions and duties, and exercise of powers
The Director of Military Prosecutions must, not later than 30 June in each year, report to the Attorney-General on the performance of any functions and duties, and the exercise of any powers, imposed or conferred on the Director under this Act.
101K: Director of Military Prosecutions must act under general supervision of Solicitor-General
1: In performing functions or duties, or exercising powers, imposed or conferred by this Act, by the Court Martial Act 2007 Court Martial Appeals Act 1953
2: However, subsection (1) Court Martial Act 2007 Court Martial Appeals Act 1953
101L: Delegation of functions, duties, or powers of Director of Military Prosecutions
1: The Director of Military Prosecutions may, in writing, either generally or particularly, delegate any of the functions, duties, and powers of the Director under this Act, except this power of delegation, to a person who—
a: is an officer; and
b: has held a practising certificate as a barrister or solicitor of the High Court for at least 7 years.
2: Subject to any general or special directions given or conditions imposed by the Director of Military Prosecutions, the person to whom any functions, duties, or powers are delegated under this section may perform and exercise them in the same manner and with the same effect as if they had been conferred on that person directly by this Act and not by delegation.
3: The power of the Director of Military Prosecutions to delegate under this section does not limit any power of delegation conferred on the Director by any other Act or prevent the Director delegating to any other person, under that power, any of the functions, duties, and powers of the Director under this Act.
4: Every person who appears to he acting under a delegation under this section is, in the absence of proof to the contrary, presumed to be acting in accordance with the terms of the delegation.
5: A delegation under this section does not—
a: affect or prevent the exercise of any power or the performance of any function or duty by the Director of Military Prosecutions; or
b: affect the responsibility of the Director of Military Prosecutions for the actions of any person acting under the delegation. New Part 5 substituted
37: New Part 5 substituted
Part 5
5: Investigation and summary trial of charges
1: General provisions
102: Investigation of charges
1: If it is alleged that a person subject to this Act has committed an offence against this Act, the commanding officer of that person must, unless he or she considers that the allegation is not well founded, either—
a: cause the allegation to be recorded in the form of a charge and to be investigated in the prescribed manner; or
b: cause the allegation to be referred to the appropriate civil authority for investigation.
2: In this Part, a matter or thing is done in the prescribed manner
103: Disposal of charges by commanding officers
1: Every commanding officer must investigate and dispose of a charge before him or her in the prescribed manner.
2: However, a commanding officer may stay proceedings on a charge before him or her, or before a detachment commander or a subordinate commander, for any time that he or she considers necessary if satisfied that proceedings for the matters to which the charge relates could be, and in the interests of the better administration of justice should be, taken against the accused otherwise than under this Act.
104: Disposal of charges by superior commanders
1: Every superior commander must investigate and dispose of a charge before him or her in the prescribed manner.
2: However, a superior commander may stay proceedings on a charge before him or her for any time that he or she considers necessary if satisfied that proceedings for the matters to which the charge relates could be, and in the interests of the better administration of justice should be, taken against the accused otherwise than under this Act.
105: Disposal of charges by detachment commanders
1: A detachment commander may exercise all or any of the powers conferred on commanding officers under this Part.
2: Subsection (1)
106: Disposal of charges by subordinate commanders
1: A commanding officer may, by written notice, delegate all or any of his or her powers to act as a disciplinary officer under this Part to an officer or class of officers under his or her command as may be specified in the notice.
2: A commanding officer may not delegate any powers under this section to a midshipman or an officer cadet.
3: A subordinate commander must not act as a disciplinary officer for an offence alleged to have been committed by a member of the Armed Forces holding a rank above that of petty officer in the Navy or sergeant in the Army or the Air Force.
4: The exercise of any powers by a subordinate commander under this section is subject to the limitations and restrictions (if any) as may be, specified—
a: in orders issued by the Chief of Defence Force; and
b: in the notice given by the delegating commanding officer (in so far as the notice is consistent with any Defence Force Orders); and
c: in this Part.
107: Effect of delegation
1: A subordinate commander may exercise the powers delegated under section 106
2: A subordinate commander who appears to be acting under a delegation under section 106
3: A delegation under section 106
4: A power delegated under section 106 When officer is empowered to act as disciplinary officer
108: Officer is empowered to act as disciplinary officer
1: For the purposes of this Part, an officer is empowered to act as a disciplinary officer in relation to a charge if—
a: the officer is a superior commander, a commanding officer, a detachment commander, or a subordinate commander; and
b: the officer holds a rank at least 2 rank grades above that of the accused; and
c: the officer holds a certificate of competency as a disciplinary officer, as prescribed by the Chief of Defence Force; and
d: in the case of a subordinate commander, the officer holds a delegation under section 106
2: However, for the purposes of this Part, an officer is not empowered to act as a disciplinary officer in relation to a charge if—
a: the officer considers, at the relevant time, that it is necessary for the maintenance of discipline, or in the interests of justice, that the charge be referred to another person; or
b: the officer is personally interested in the charge; or
c: an order made under section 206(1)(ab)
3: For the purposes of this section, relevant time
a: in relation to sections 109 to 111
b: in any other case, the time at which the officer is considering under this Part whether he or she is empowered to act as a disciplinary officer in relation to the charge.
4: For the purposes of this Part, an officer is personally interested
a: the charge alleges an offence against the officer himself or herself; or
b: the charge alleges an offence against any member of his or her family; or
c: the charge alleges an offence by any member of his or her family; or
d: the charge is one in respect of which the officer or any member of his or her family is the sole witness to any material ingredient of the offence; or
e: the officer otherwise has a personal interest in the charge that is likely to influence his or her judgment.
2: Preliminary procedures and investigation of charges
Initial referral of charges
109: Charge must be referred to subordinate commander in certain circumstances
1: This section applies if—
a: an allegation has been recorded in the form of a charge; and
b: the accused is below the rank of chief petty officer in the Navy, staff sergeant in the Army, or flight sergeant in the Air Force; and
c: the accused has a subordinate commander who is empowered to act as a disciplinary officer in relation to the charge.
2: The charge against the accused must be referred to the subordinate commander.
3: The subordinate commander must act under this subpart as the disciplinary officer in relation to the charge.
4: Subsection (3)
a: the referral of the charge to another person; or
b: another person to act as the disciplinary officer in relation to the charge.
110: Charge must be referred to commanding officer, superior commander, or detachment commander in certain circumstances—
1: This section applies if—
a: an allegation has been recorded in the form of a charge; and
b: either or both of the following apply:
i: the accused is of or above the rank of chief petty officer in the Navy, staff sergeant in the Army, or flight sergeant in the Air Force:
ii: the accused does not have a subordinate commander who is empowered to act as a disciplinary officer in relation to the charge.
2: The charge against the accused must be referred to—
a: his or her detachment commander or commanding officer if that officer is empowered to act as a disciplinary officer in relation to the charge; or
b: a superior commander in the accused's chain of command who is empowered to act as a disciplinary officer in relation to the charge.
3: The detachment commander, commanding officer, or superior commander must act under this subpart as the disciplinary officer in relation to the charge.
4: Subsection (3)
a: the referral of the charge to another person; or
b: another person to act as the disciplinary officer in relation to the charge.
111: Accused must be remanded for trial in Court Martial and charge must be referred to Director of Military Prosecutions in certain circumstances
If there is no person who is empowered to act as a disciplinary officer in relation to a charge,—
a: the accused must be remanded for trial in the Court Martial; and
b: the charge must be referred to the Director of Military Prosecutions. Certification and amendment of charges
112: Charge must be certified if disciplinary officer may impose certain punishments
1: A disciplinary officer must, after a charge is referred to him or her under section 109 or 110
a: detention:
b: reduction in rank:
c: a fine.
2: In considering the matter under subsection (1)
a: must have regard to the charge referred to him or her (including the nature of the offence alleged by the charge); and
b: is not required to have regard to any other information or document, or to make any further inquiries.
3: The disciplinary officer must stay the proceedings until a specified certificate is received if—
a: he or she considers that, if the accused were found guilty, a punishment consisting of or including 1 or more of the punishments referred to in subsection (1)
b: he or she has not yet received a specified certificate.
4: The accused must be brought before the, disciplinary officer and the disciplinary officer must proceed in relation to the charge in accordance with this subpart if—
a: the proceedings are not stayed under subsection (3)
b: the disciplinary officer receives a specified certificate after the proceedings are stayed under subsection (3)
5: For the purposes of this Part, specified certificate
a: discloses an offence against this Act; and
b: is drawn in accordance with the rules of procedure; and
c: is otherwise correct in law.
113: Amendment of charge
1: A disciplinary officer may, after an accused is brought before him or her on a charge, amend that charge, substitute for it a different charge, or add a new charge, if the disciplinary officer considers that it is in the interests of justice to do so.
2: Section 112 section 109 or 110
3: If the disciplinary officer exercises his or her powers under subsection (1)
4: If the amended, substituted, or additional charge differs substantially from the original charge, the disciplinary officer must—
a: explain the amended, substituted, or additional charge to the accused; and
b: advise the accused of his or her right to seek an adjournment to consider the charge; and
c: if requested by the accused to do so, adjourn the proceedings for that purpose. Assignment of defending and presenting officers
114: Assistance to accused
1: If an accused is brought before a disciplinary officer under this Part, that officer must ensure that a defending officer is assigned—
a: to assist the accused in the preparation and presentation of his or her case; and
b: to act on behalf of the accused.
2: Subsection (1)
3: The officer or non-commissioned officer assigned to act as defending officer—
a: must hold an appropriate certificate of competency, as prescribed by the Chief of Defence Force; and
b: must not be a lawyer.
4: The officer or non-commissioned officer assigned to act as defending officer for the accused may be changed by the disciplinary officer at any time if—
a: the accused so requests; or
b: the disciplinary officer considers that it is necessary to do so, having regard to the exigencies of the service.
115: Assignment of presenting officer
1: If an accused is brought before a disciplinary officer under this Part, that officer must ensure that a presenting officer is assigned to—
a: assemble the evidence in support of the charge; and
b: present the case in support of the charge, to the extent required by the disciplinary officer.
2: The officer or non-commissioned officer assigned to act as presenting officer—
a: must hold an appropriate certificate of competency, as prescribed by the Chief of Defence Force; and
b: must not be a lawyer.
3: The officer or non-commissioned officer assigned as presenting officer may be changed at any time by the disciplinary officer if the disciplinary officer considers that it is necessary or desirable to do so. Arraignment
116: Arraignment by disciplinary officer
When the accused is brought before a disciplinary officer under this Part, the disciplinary officer must—
a: inform the accused that the disciplinary officer is going to hear the charge; and
b: ensure that the accused is correctly described in the record of proceedings; and
c: read the charge to the accused; and
d: ensure that the evidence in support of the charge has been adequately disclosed to the accused in the manner prescribed by the rules of procedure; and
e: ask the accused whether he or she pleads guilty or not guilty to the charge. Plea of guilty
117: Plea of guilty
1: If the accused pleads guilty to the charge, the disciplinary officer must enter the plea on the record of proceedings if the disciplinary officer is satisfied that the accused—
a: understands the nature of the charge; and
b: has made the plea voluntarily; and
c: understands the consequences of the plea.
2: The disciplinary officer must proceed under this subpart as if the accused had pleaded not guilty if—
a: the accused refuses to plead; or
b: the accused pleads unintelligibly; or
c: the disciplinary officer is not satisfied of any of the matters referred to in subsection (1)(a) to (c)
117A: Subordinate commander may punish accused or refer charge to commanding officer or detachment commander
1: If the disciplinary officer is a subordinate commander and he or she enters a guilty plea on the record of proceedings under section 117
a: the presenting officer must inform the subordinate commander of the facts that are relevant to the charge; and
b: the subordinate commander may hear all or any of the evidence relating to the charge if he or she considers that it is in the interests of justice or discipline to do so; and
c: the subordinate commander must consider whether, in his or her opinion, he or she—
i: has sufficient powers of punishment in relation to the charge; and
ii: is empowered to act as a disciplinary officer in relation to the charge.
2: If the subordinate commander considers under subsection (1)
a: record a finding of guilty on the charge; and
b: inform the accused of that finding; and
c: proceed under subpart 4.
3: If the subordinate commander considers under subsection (1)
4: After a charge is referred to a commanding officer or detachment commander under subsection (3)
5: This section is subject to sections 117G and 117H
117B: Commanding officer, detachment commander, or superior commander who receives guilty plea or receives referral must consider certain matters
1: This section applies if—
a: the disciplinary officer is a commanding officer, a detachment commander, or a superior commander, and he or she enters a guilty plea on the record of proceedings under section 117
b: a charge has been referred to a commanding officer or a detachment commander under section 117A
2: The presenting officer must inform the commanding officer, detachment commander, or superior commander of the facts that are relevant to the charge.
3: The commanding officer, detachment commander, or superior commander may hear all or any of the evidence relating to the charge if he or she considers that it is in the interests of justice or discipline to do so.
4: The commanding officer, detachment commander, or superior commander must consider whether, in his or her opinion,—
a: he or she has sufficient powers of punishment in relation to the charge; and
b: he or she is empowered to act as a disciplinary officer in relation to the charge.
117C: Consideration of whether accused who pleads guilty should be given right to elect trial by Court Martial
1: If the commanding officer, detachment commander, or superior commander considers under section 117B
2: The commanding officer, detachment commander, or superior commander must, in making a decision under subsection (1)
a: consider the punishment, or combination of punishments, that he or she would be likely to impose if he or she were to act under subpart 4; and
b: consider the orders for compensation or restitution (or both) that he or she would be likely to make if he or she were to act under subpart 4; and
c: have regard to sections 117W and 117ZA
117D: Accused who pleads guilty must be informed if he or she has right to elect trial by Court Martial
1: If the commanding officer, detachment commander, or superior commander considers under section 117C
a: inform the accused that the accused has the right to elect either—
i: trial by the Court Martial; or
ii: for the commanding officer, detachment commander, or superior commander to proceed under subpart 4; and
b: adjourn the hearing and give the accused a reasonable period to consider the accused's election; and
c: give the accused the opportunity to consult a lawyer in respect of the accused's election if it is reasonably practicable to do so.
2: The period of adjournment under subsection (1)(b)
117E: Accused who pleads guilty must be punished in certain circumstances
1: This section applies if—
a: a commanding officer, detachment commander, or superior commander considers, under section 117C
b: an accused is given the right to an election under section 117D
i: for the commanding officer, detachment commander, or superior commander to proceed under subpart 4; or
ii: trial by the Court Martial, but withdraws his or her election in the prescribed manner.
2: The commanding officer, detachment commander, or superior commander must—
a: record a finding of guilty on the charge; and
b: inform the accused of that finding; and
c: proceed under subpart 4.
3: This section is subject to sections 117G and 117H
117F: Accused must be remanded for trial in Court Martial and charge must be referred to Director of Military Prosecutions in certain circumstances
1: A commanding officer, detachment commander, or superior commander must remand the accused for trial in the Court Martial and refer the charge to the Director of Military Prosecutions if—
a: he or she considers under section 117B
b: the accused is given the right to an election under section 117D
i: the accused elects trial by the Court Martial and does not withdraw his or her election in the prescribed manner; or
ii: the accused does not make an election when asked to do so by the commanding officer, detachment commander, or superior commander.
2: However, if the accused is given the right to an election under section 117D subsection (1) Other matters relating to pleas
117G: Procedure following mixed pleas
1: This section applies if—
a: there is more than 1 charge against the accused contained in the same charge report; and
b: the accused pleads guilty to 1 or more but not all of the charges.
2: The disciplinary officer—
a: must proceed under sections 117 to 117F
b: must not proceed to punish the accused under subpart 4 in respect of those charges until a finding under this Part is recorded for the other charges against the accused contained in the same charge report.
3: However, if the disciplinary officer is to refer a charge to the Director of Military Prosecutions under section 117ZF sections 117 to 117F
4: Each charge to which the accused has pleaded not guilty must be proceeded with in accordance with this Act.
5: This section is subject to section 117ZF
117H: Change or amendment of plea
1: If the accused pleads not guilty to the charge, he or she may withdraw his or her plea of not guilty and substitute a plea of guilty at any time before the disciplinary officer records the finding on the charge.
2: If the accused substitutes a plea of guilty under subsection (1)
3: If the accused pleads guilty to the charge, he or she may withdraw his or her plea of guilty and substitute a plea of not guilty at any time before the disciplinary officer records the finding on the charge.
4: If the accused substitutes a plea of not guilty under subsection (3)
5: If the accused pleads guilty to the charge and the disciplinary officer accepts the plea, the disciplinary officer may, if at any time during the proceedings it appears to him or her that he or she should not have accepted the plea, amend the record and substitute a plea of not guilty.
6: If the disciplinary officer acts under subsection (5) Investigation following plea of not guilty
117I: Procedure following plea of not guilty
1: If the accused pleads not guilty to the charge, the disciplinary officer must—
a: enter the plea on the record of proceedings; and
b: ask the accused if he or she has had adequate time and facilities to prepare a defence.
2: If the disciplinary officer considers, after acting under subsection (1)(b)
a: adequate time to prepare a defence; and
b: a reasonable opportunity to obtain adequate facilities to prepare a defence.
117J: Disciplinary officer must determine whether prima facie case is made out after hearing of evidence in support of charge
1: When the case is ready to proceed, the disciplinary officer—
a: must ask the accused whether he or she requires oral evidence to be given on oath; and
b: may ask the presenting officer to outline the case in support of the charge; and
c: must ask the presenting officer—
i: to call each witness in support of the charge who is to give evidence orally to give evidence in the presence of the accused; and
ii: to produce, and to read aloud to the accused, any written statement that the disciplinary officer has decided to admit in evidence in support of the charge.
2: The disciplinary officer—
a: must give the accused an opportunity to cross-examine each witness who gives evidence orally in support of the charge; and
b: may allow the presenting officer an opportunity to re-examine each witness who has been cross-examined; and
c: may put questions to each witness who gives evidence orally in support of the charge that the disciplinary officer considers are necessary to ensure that he or she fully understands the witness's evidence.
3: After the disciplinary officer has heard the evidence in support of the charge, he or she must determine whether a prima facie case has been made out.
4: If the disciplinary officer is not satisfied that a prima facie case has been made out, he or she must dismiss the charge, record the finding, and inform the accused. Disciplinary officer must consider certain matters
117K: Disciplinary officer must consider whether he or she has sufficient powers of punishment and whether he or she can act as disciplinary officer
1: If the disciplinary officer is satisfied that a prima facie case has been made out, the disciplinary officer must consider whether, in his or her opinion, he or she—
a: has sufficient powers of punishment in relation to the charge; and
b: is empowered to act as a disciplinary officer in relation to the charge.
2: If the disciplinary officer is a subordinate commander who considers under this section that he or she—
a: has sufficient powers of punishment and is empowered to act as a disciplinary officer in relation to the charge, he or she must proceed to act as a disciplinary officer in relation to the charge under subpart 3
b: has insufficient powers of punishment or is not empowered to act as a disciplinary officer in relation to the charge, he or she must refer the charge to the accused's commanding officer or detachment commander without recording, a finding.
3: After a charge is referred to a commanding officer or detachment commander under subsection (2)(b)
a: becomes the disciplinary officer in relation to the charge; and
b: must investigate the charge under section 117J
c: must, after acting under paragraph (b) subsection (1)
4: If the disciplinary officer is a commanding officer, a detachment commander, or a superior commander who considers under this section that he or she has insufficient powers of punishment or is not empowered to act as a disciplinary officer in relation to the charge, he or she must remand the accused for trial in the Court Martial and refer the charge to the Director of Military Prosecutions. Right to elect trial by Court Martial
117L: Disciplinary officer must consider whether accused should be given right to elect trial by Court Martial
1: If the disciplinary officer is a commanding officer, a detachment commander, or a superior commander who considers under section 117K
2: The disciplinary officer must, in making a decision under subsection (1)
a: consider the punishment, or combination of punishments, that he or she would be likely to impose if the accused were found guilty; and
b: consider the orders for compensation or restitution (or both) that he or she would be likely to make if the accused were found guilty; and
c: have regard to sections 117W and 117ZA
3: If the disciplinary officer considers that he or she should not give the accused the right to elect trial by the Court Martial, he or she must try the accused summarily under subpart 3
117M: Disciplinary officer must inform accused if accused has right to elect trial by Court Martial
1: If the disciplinary officer considers under section 117L
a: inform the accused that the accused has the right to elect either—
i: trial by the Court Martial; or
ii: summary trial by the disciplinary officer; and
b: adjourn the hearing and give the accused a reasonable period to consider the accused's election; and
c: give the accused the opportunity to consult a lawyer in respect of the accused's election if it is reasonably practicable to do so.
2: The period of adjournment under subsection (1)(b)
117N: Disciplinary officer must remand accused for trial in Court Martial or try charge summarily
1: The disciplinary officer must remand the accused for trial in the Court Martial and refer the charge to the Director of Military Prosecutions if, after having been given the right to an election under section 117M
a: the accused elects trial by the Court Martial and does not withdraw his or her election in the prescribed manner; or
b: the accused does not make an election when asked to do so by the disciplinary officer.
2: However, if the accused is given the right to an election under section 117M subsection (1)
3: The disciplinary officer must try the accused summarily under subpart 3 if, after having been given the right to an election under section 117M
a: summary trial by the disciplinary officer; or
b: trial by the Court Martial, but withdraws his or her election in the prescribed manner.
3: Trying charges summarily
117O: Disciplinary officer must advise accused and hear evidence on behalf of accused
1: If the disciplinary officer is to try the accused summarily, the disciplinary officer must, in accordance with the rules of procedure, briefly advise the accused of the procedure to be followed in the summary trial.
2: After advising the accused under subsection (1)
a: to outline the case on behalf of the accused; and
b: to tell the disciplinary officer whether or not the accused wishes to put forward evidence in reply and, if so, what form the evidence will take; and
c: to give evidence orally if he or she wishes to give evidence orally; and
d: to call each witness on behalf of the accused who is to give evidence orally (following the accused if he or she wishes to give evidence) to give his or her evidence in the presence of the accused.
3: The disciplinary officer must, after complying with subsection (2)
4: If evidence is put forward on behalf of the accused, the disciplinary officer—
a: may allow the presenting officer to cross-examine each witness who gives evidence orally; and
b: if the presenting officer cross-examines a witness, must allow the accused an opportunity to re-examine the witness.
5: The disciplinary officer may put questions to each witness that the disciplinary officer considers necessary to ensure that he or she fully understands the witness's evidence.
117P: Presenting officer and disciplinary officer may call or recall witnesses
1: If evidence is put forward on behalf of the accused, the presenting officer may, at the conclusion of the evidence on behalf of the accused, with the leave of the disciplinary officer, call or recall any witness to give evidence on any matter raised by, or on behalf of, the accused in his or her defence—
a: that the presenting officer could not properly have put before the disciplinary officer before the accused's defence was disclosed; or
b: that the presenting officer could not reasonably have foreseen.
2: The disciplinary officer may, at any time before he or she determines whether he or she finds the accused guilty or not guilty on the charge, call or recall any witness if he or she considers that it is in the interests of justice to do so.
3: If the disciplinary officer calls or recalls a witness under subsection (2)
117Q: Disciplinary officer must determine whether accused is guilty or not guilty
After the disciplinary officer has received all the evidence under subpart 2 and this subpart, he or she must—
a: determine whether the accused is guilty or not guilty on the charge; and
b: record the finding; and
c: inform the accused.
4: Punishment
117R: Procedures to be followed before imposing punishment
1: If the disciplinary officer records a finding of guilty on the charge, he or she must, before imposing a punishment,—
a: examine the offender's conduct sheets; and
b: if a victim of the offence so wishes, read aloud a written statement from the victim setting out—
i: any physical injury or emotional harm suffered by the victim through, or by means of, the offence; and
ii: any loss of, or damage to, property suffered by the victim through, or by means of, the offence; and
iii: any other effects of the offence on the victim; and
c: give the offender a reasonable opportunity to make an explanation or plea in mitigation of punishment; and
d: if the offender so wishes, give any witness on behalf of the offender a reasonable opportunity to give evidence in support of the explanation or plea in mitigation of punishment.
2: If the disciplinary officer records a finding of guilty on the charge, he or she may, before imposing a punishment, obtain from the presenting officer—
a: a report on the offender's record and general conduct in the service; and
b: details of any period during which the offender was held in custody awaiting trial; and
c: details of any information in the possession of the service authorities relating to the offender's circumstances that may be relevant in considering punishment.
3: The disciplinary officer must ensure that he or she has received a specified certificate if he or she intends to impose a punishment consisting of or including 1 or more of the following:
a: detention:
b: reduction in rank:
c: a fine.
4: In this section, victim section 4 of the Victims' Rights Act 2002
117S: Disciplinary officer may impose punishment, order offender to appear for punishment if called on, or discharge offender
1: The disciplinary officer may, after acting under section 117R
a: impose on the offender any 1 or more of the punishments that he or she is authorised under this Part to impose and considers just; or
b: make an order under section 117T
c: discharge the offender without acting under paragraph (a) or (b)
2: The disciplinary officer must give reasons for his or her action under subsection (1)
3: Subsection (1) section 117ZA
4: The disciplinary officer must, after acting under subsection (1)
a: record the details of any forfeitures incurred by or under this Act, and any cancellation of the whole or any part of those forfeitures, and inform the offender; and
b: notify the offender of the offender's right of appeal under Part 5A
117T: Order to come up for punishment if called on
1: The disciplinary officer may, instead of imposing a punishment on an offender, order the offender to appear for punishment if called on to do so within the period specified in subsection (2)
2: The period referred to in subsection (1)
3: If the disciplinary officer makes an order under subsection (1)
4: The disciplinary officer may make orders under section 117ZA subsection (1)
117U: Offender to come up for punishment
1: This section applies if an offender in respect of whom an order is made under section 117T
a: is convicted, or found guilty summarily, of a subsequent offence against this Act or any other Act; or
b: fails to comply with any other order referred to in section 117T(4)
c: fails to comply with any agreement, or fails to take any measure or action, of a kind referred to in section 10(1)(b), (d), or (e) of the Sentencing Act 2002 section 117T
2: An offender's commanding officer may, at any time within the period specified in the order made under section 117T
3: After an order is given under subsection (2)
4: If a person appears before a commanding officer or another disciplinary officer under this section and the commanding officer or disciplinary officer is satisfied of any of the matters specified in subsection (1)
a: must inquire into the circumstances of the original offence and the conduct of the offender since the order under section 117T
b: may impose a punishment, or a combination of punishments, on the offender for the original offence.
5: This section is subject to section 117X Summary punishments
117V: Types and maximum amounts of summary punishments
1: The punishments that may be imposed on an offender tried summarily, or otherwise dealt with, under this Part are those specified in Schedule 3
2: The maximum amount of any one punishment that may be imposed on an offender in relation to a charge tried summarily, or otherwise dealt with, under this Part by—
a: a commanding officer or a detachment commander is that specified in Schedule 4
b: a subordinate commander is that specified in column 3 of Schedule 4
c: a superior commander is that specified in Schedule 5
3: A disciplinary officer who finds a person guilty of 1 or more offences may, if he or she thinks it is just to do so, impose on that person more than 1 of the punishments authorised by this Part.
4: Subsection (3)
117W: Certain punishments must not be imposed unless offender was given right to elect trial by Court Martial
1: This section applies if the disciplinary officer is a commanding officer, a detachment commander, or a superior commander.
2: If the offender was given the right to elect trial by the Court Martial under section 117D or 117M
a: in the case of a commanding officer or a detachment commander, impose on the offender, to the extent authorised by column 2 of Schedule 4
b: in the case of a superior commander, impose on the offender, to the extent authorised by column 2 of Schedule 5
3: If the offender was not given the right to elect trial by the Court Martial under section 117D or 117M
a: in the case of a commanding officer or a detachment commander, impose on the offender, to the extent authorised by column 3 of Schedule 4
b: in the case of a superior commander, impose on the offender, to the extent authorised by column 3 of Schedule 5
117X: Punishment must be imposed for all offences of which person is found guilty
If a person tried summarily, or otherwise dealt with, under this Part in respect of 2 or more charges contained in the same charge report is found guilty of the offences charged, or at least 2 of them if there are more than 2, any punishment or punishments imposed on him or her must be in respect of all of the offences of which he or she has been found guilty.
117Y: Provisions relating to punishment of detention
1: In determining the period of any detention to be imposed, a disciplinary officer must not take into account any period during which the offender has been held in custody but must specify any such period on the committal order.
2: Subsection (1)
3: A disciplinary officer must not impose the punishment of detention on an officer (including a midshipman or an officer cadet).
4: A disciplinary officer must not, except with the prior approval of a superior commander, impose the punishment of detention on a member of the Armed Forces who had, at the time that the offence was committed. attained the age of 17 years hut was, at that time, under the age of 18 years.
5: In this section, custody
a: means detention in civil custody or under close arrest; but
b: does not include open arrest.
117Z: Reduction of punishments
1: When a disciplinary officer has imposed a punishment, or a combination of punishments, for an offence against this Act, he or she—
a: may not subsequently increase the punishment for that offence; but
b: may reduce the punishment for the offence at any time before it has been completely carried out.
2: A commanding officer may reduce, but not increase, a punishment imposed by a detachment commander or by a subordinate commander. Compensation and restitution
117ZA: Orders for compensation and restitution
1: Every disciplinary officer who finds an offender guilty of an offence may, in addition to or in substitution for any punishment or punishments that he or she may impose on the offender, order the offender, in the same manner and to the same extent as the Court Martial,—
a: to pay compensation in accordance with section 86
b: to make restitution in accordance with section 87 section 87(3)
c: both to pay compensation and make restitution.
2: However,—
a: if the offender was given the right to elect trial by the Court Martial under section 117D or 117M
b: if the offender was not given the right to elect trial by the Court Martial wider section 117D or 117M
5: Miscellaneous matters
Rights under New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990
117ZB: Accused deemed to have waived certain rights in certain circumstances
1: An accused is deemed to have irrevocably waived, in relation to a charge, the rights referred to in subsection (2)
a: section 117D
i: for the commanding officer, detachment commander, or superior commander to proceed under subpart 4
ii: trial by the Court Martial, but withdraws his or her election in the prescribed manner:
b: section 117M
i: summary trial by the disciplinary officer; or
ii: trial by the Court Martial, but withdraws his or her election in the prescribed manner.
2: The rights are—
a: the right that the accused had or has under section 24(c) of the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990
b: the right that the accused had or has under section 25(a) of that Act
117ZC: Implications of election must be explained to accused
1: When the accused appears before the disciplinary officer to indicate his or her election under section 117D or 117M
a: his or her defending officer; or
b: an officer or a non-commissioned officer who holds a certificate of competency as a defending officer.
2: The implications referred to in subsection (1)
3: The accused's election under section 117D or 117M
4: The disciplinary officer must take reasonable steps to ensure that the accused has read the election before the accused signs it.
117ZD: Accused does not have certain rights if accused is tried summarily or otherwise dealt with under this Part
If a disciplinary officer tries an accused summarily or an accused is otherwise dealt with under this Part,—
a: the accused does not have, in relation to the relevant charge, the right to legal representation; and
b: the accused does not have, in relation to the relevant charge, the right to a hearing by an independent court. Recording of proceedings
117ZE: Recording proceedings before disciplinary officer
A disciplinary officer must comply with any requirements of the rules of procedure to ensure that an audio recording, or a written summary, is made of the proceedings before the disciplinary officer. Referral of charges
117ZF: Referral of charge must include referral of related charges
If a disciplinary officer is required to refer a charge against an accused to another person, he or she must also refer to that person—
a: any charge against another person for an offence arising from the same incident or series of incidents; and
b: any other charge against the accused for an offence arising from the same incident or series of incidents.
117ZG: Documents and information to be provided to accused and Director of Military Prosecutions
1: If a charge is to be referred to the Director of Military Prosecutions by a disciplinary officer, the disciplinary officer must, within 7 days of deciding that the charge is to be referred to the Director of Military Prosecutions,—
a: ensure that the accused is provided with the information or documents that are prescribed by the rules of procedure for the purposes of this subsection; and
b: inform the accused that he or she has 7 days from the date of being informed in which to provide to the disciplinary officer any signed written statements in his or her defence for referral to the Director of Military Prosecutions.
2: A disciplinary officer (other than a superior commander) must, within 14 days of deciding that a charge is to be referred to the Director of Military Prosecutions, send to his or her superior commander the documents that are prescribed by the rules of procedure for the purposes of this subsection.
3: A superior commander who receives documents under subsection (2)
a: those documents; and
b: a statement containing the superior commander's opinion as to whether prosecution of the charge is in the interests of the service.
4: If the disciplinary officer is a superior commander, he or she must, within 14 days of deciding that the charge is to be referred to the Director of Military Prosecutions, send to the Director of Military Prosecutions—
a: the documents that are prescribed by the rules of procedure for the purposes of this subsection; and
b: a statement containing the superior commander's opinion as to whether prosecution of the charge is in the interests of the service.
117ZH: Reference back of charge by Director of Military Prosecutions
1: If a charge is referred by a disciplinary officer to the Director of Military Prosecutions under section 117F(1)(a) or 117K(4) section 117ZF
a: continue to act as a disciplinary officer in relation to the charge or charges; or
b: dismiss the charge or charges.
2: If, after a charge is referred by a disciplinary officer to the Director of Military Prosecutions under section 117F(1)(b) or 117N(1) section 117ZF
a: continue to act as a disciplinary officer in relation to the charge or charges; or
b: dismiss the charge or charges.
3: A direction under subsection (1) or (2)
a: a direction to give the accused the right to elect trial by the Court Martial; and
b: any other procedural directions that the Director of Military Prosecutions thinks fit.
4: If a charge is referred by a disciplinary officer to the Director of Military Prosecutions under section 117F(1)(b) or 117N(1) section 117ZF
5: On reference back of a charge under this section, the disciplinary officer must dispose of the charge in accordance with the directions.
6: Reference back of a charge to a disciplinary officer under this section is without prejudice to the power of the disciplinary officer to prefer another charge if—
a: the Director of Military Prosecutions so directs; or
b: the disciplinary officer thinks fit.
7: The Director of Military Prosecutions must inform the accused of any action that is taken in respect of the accused under this section.
117ZI: Director of Military Prosecutions may lay charge before Court Martial
1: If a charge is referred to the Director of Military Prosecutions under this Part, he or she may lay the charge before the Registrar of the Court Martial.
2: If the accused pleaded guilty under section 116 Procedures for certain persons
117ZJ: Procedures for prisoners of war, spies, midshipmen, officer cadets, and chaplains
1: If the accused is subject to this Act by virtue of section 12 or 13
a: if the accused holds a rank in an armed force, the same procedure for dealing with the charge under this Part must be followed, with any necessary modifications, as if the accused held the corresponding rank in the Armed Forces of New Zealand:
b: in any other case, the same procedure for dealing with the charge under this Part must be followed, with any necessary modifications, as if the accused were a rating of able rank in the Navy or a private in the Army or a leading aircraftman in the Air Force, as the case may be.
2: If the accused is a midshipman or an officer cadet, the same procedure for dealing with the charge under this Part must be followed, with any necessary modifications, as if the accused were a rating of able rank in the Navy or a private in the Army or a leading aircraftman in the Air Force, as the case may be.
3: If the accused is a chaplain, the same procedure for dealing with the charge under this Part must be followed, with any necessary modifications, as if the accused,—
a: in the case of a chaplain Class I were a captain in the Navy, a colonel in the Army, or a group captain in the Air Force:
b: in the case of a chaplain Class II, were a commander in the Navy, a lieutenant-colonel in the Army, or a wing commander in the Air Force:
c: in the case of a chaplain Class III, were a lieutenant-commander in the Navy, a major in the Army, or a squadron leader in the Air Force:
d: in the case of a chaplain Class IV, were a lieutenant in the Navy, a captain in the Army, or a flight lieutenant in the Air Force. Evidence
117ZK: Relevant evidence admissible unless excluded
1: All relevant evidence is admissible in proceedings under this Part and Part 5A subsection (4)
2: Evidence that is not relevant is not admissible in proceedings under this Part or Part 5A
3: Evidence is relevant in proceedings if it has a tendency to prove or disprove anything that is of consequence to the determination of the proceedings.
4: The disciplinary officer or the Summary Appeal Court must exclude evidence if its probative value is outweighed by the risk that the evidence will—
a: have an unfairly prejudicial effect on the outcome of the proceedings; or
b: needlessly prolong the proceedings.
5: The disciplinary officer or the Summary Appeal Court may, subject to subsections (1) to (4) and section 150B Part 5A
117ZL: Taking of evidence on oath
1: In proceedings before—
a: a disciplinary officer, oral evidence must not be given on oath unless the accused so requires:
b: the Summary Appeal Court, oral evidence must be given on oath.
2: For the purposes of subsection (1)(a)
3: However, if the disciplinary officer or Summary Appeal Court considers that a child who is called as a witness does not understand the nature of an oath, the child's evidence may be received even though it is not given on oath so long as the officer or Court is of the opinion that the child—
a: has sufficient intelligence to justify the reception of the evidence; and
b: understands the duty of speaking the truth.
4: If any person referred to in subsection (1) or (2)
5: The making of an affirmation under subsection (4)
6: Every oath or affirmation required to be administered under this Part or Part 5A
117ZM: Admission in evidence of written statements instead of oral evidence
1: A written statement of a person's evidence is, with the consent of the accused and the disciplinary officer or the appellant and the Director of Military Prosecutions (as the case may be), admissible in evidence instead of calling that person to give his or her evidence orally.
2: However, a written statement of a person's evidence is admissible only to the same extent and for the same purpose as that evidence would have been admissible in the proceedings if given orally by the maker of the statement.
3: Despite subsection (1)
4: In proceedings before a disciplinary officer, the accused and the presenting officer must each be given—
a: a copy of every written statement that the other party proposes to tender in evidence; and
b: a copy of every exhibit (if any) referred to in that statement or information that is sufficient to enable the recipient to inspect the exhibit or a copy of it.
5: In proceedings before the Summary Appeal Court, the appellant and the Director of Military Prosecutions must each be given—
a: a copy of every written statement that the other party proposes to tender in evidence; and
b: a copy of every exhibit (if any) referred to in that statement or information that is sufficient to enable the recipient to inspect the exhibit or a copy of it.
6: A document or object accompanying a written statement tendered as evidence and referred to in the statement as an exhibit must be treated as if it had been produced as an exhibit and identified in evidence by the maker of the statement.
117ZN: Disciplinary officers and Summary Appeal Court to take judicial notice of certain matters
1: Every disciplinary officer and the Summary Appeal Court must take judicial notice of—
a: all matters of common knowledge; and
b: all other matters of which judicial notice would be taken by the High Court.
2: The disciplinary officer may also take judicial notice of matters that may fairly be regarded as being within the general service knowledge of the disciplinary officer. Other miscellaneous matters
117ZO: General power to make orders or give directions
A disciplinary officer may, in respect of any proceedings under this Part, make or give any order or direction, not inconsistent with this Act or the rules of procedure, that seems to him or her best calculated to do justice.
117ZP: Construction of charges
1: In the construction of a charge sheet or charge there must be presumed in favour of supporting it every proposition that may reasonably be presumed to be impliedly included, though not expressed in it.
2: In respect of a charge, the statement of the alleged offence and the statement of the particulars of every act or omission constituting the alleged offence must be read and construed together.
117ZQ: Replacement of disciplinary officer
1: If at any time a disciplinary officer has begun to act under this Part in relation to a charge, and, because of death, illness, or any other reason, he or she is unable to continue to act as the disciplinary officer in relation to the charge, the officer who becomes the disciplinary officer in his or her place may act under this Part in relation to the charge as if the, officer whom he or she replaced had not commenced to do so.
2: Despite subsection (1)
3: The rules of procedure may contain further provisions concerning how—
a: an officer becomes the disciplinary officer in place of an officer who is unable to continue to act in relation to a charge; and
b: the officer who becomes the disciplinary officer must deal with the charge.
4: This section does not apply if—
a: the disciplinary officer is unable to continue to act as the disciplinary officer in relation to the charge because, in accordance with this Part, the disciplinary officer is required to refer the charge to another person; or
b: this Part otherwise provides for a different procedure to be followed in the event that the disciplinary officer is unable to continue to act as the disciplinary officer in relation to the charge.
117ZR: Objection relating to personal interest
1: If an accused, during the proceedings before a disciplinary officer, raises an objection that the disciplinary officer is personally interested in the charge, the disciplinary officer must ensure that the objection is recorded in the record of proceedings.
2: If, after an objection is made under subsection (1)
a: he or she must not continue to act as the disciplinary officer in relation to the charge; and
b: section 117ZQ
3: However, subsection (2) New Part 5A inserted
38: New Part 5A inserted
The following Part is inserted after Part 5
5A: Summary Appeal Court of New Zealand
Establishment of Summary Appeal Court of New Zealand
118: Summary Appeal Court of New Zealand established
1: A court of record called the Summary Appeal Court of New Zealand is established.
2: In addition to the jurisdiction and powers specially conferred on the Summary Appeal Court by this or any other Act, the Court has all the powers inherent in a court of record.
3: The Summary Appeal Court is to have a seal, which is to be judicially noticed by all courts and for all purposes.
119: Constitution of Summary Appeal Court
1: The Summary Appeal Court comprises the Judges of the Court Martial.
2: The Summary Appeal Court's jurisdiction is not affected by a vacancy in the number of Judges of the Court Martial.
120: Summary Appeal Court must sit in divisions
1: For the purposes of any proceedings in the Summary Appeal Court, the Court must sit in divisions each comprising 1 Judge assigned by the Chief Judge.
2: Each division of the Summary Appeal Court may exercise all of the powers of the Court.
3: A division of the Summary Appeal Court may exercise any powers of the Court even though 1 or more divisions of the Court is exercising any powers of the Court at the same time.
121: Registrar, clerks, and other officers of Summary Appeal Court
1: The Judge Advocate General must appoint a person to act as the Registrar of the Summary Appeal Court.
2: The Registrar may appoint clerks and any other officers of the Summary Appeal Court as may be required.
3: An appointment under this section must be made by written notice to the person concerned.
4: A person appointed under this section must not undertake any other paid employment or hold any other office (whether paid or not) unless the Judge Advocate General or Registrar (as the case may be) is satisfied that the employment or other office is compatible with that person's appointment.
122: Chief Judge may delegate to Registrar duty to assign Judges
1: The Chief Judge may, either generally or particularly, delegate to the Registrar the Chief Judge's duty under section 120(1)
2: A delegation—
a: must be in writing; and
b: may be made subject to any restrictions that the Chief Judge thinks fit; and
c: is revocable at any time, in writing; and
d: does not prevent the performance or exercise of a function, duty, or power by the Chief Judge.
3: The Registrar may perform any duties delegated under subsection (1)
4: If the Registrar appears to act under subsection (1)
123: Registrar may delegate functions, duties, or powers to clerk or officer of Summary Appeal Court
1: The Registrar may, either generally or particularly, delegate to a clerk or any other officer of the Summary Appeal Court appointed under section 121(2)
a: any function, duty, or power delegated to the Registrar by the Chief Judge; and
b: this power of delegation.
2: A delegation—
a: must be in writing; and
b: may be made subject to any restrictions and conditions that the Judge Advocate General or the Registrar thinks fit; and
c: is revocable at any time, in writing; and
d: does not prevent the performance or exercise of a function, duty, or power by the Registrar.
3: A clerk or any other officer of the Summary Appeal Court to whom any functions, duties, or powers are delegated may perform and exercise them in the same manner and with the same effect as if they had been conferred directly by this Act and not by delegation.
4: A clerk or any other officer of the Summary Appeal Court who appears to act under a delegation is presumed to be acting in accordance with its terms in the absence of evidence to the contrary. Right of appeal
124: Right of appeal
Every person found guilty of an offence by a disciplinary officer may appeal to the Summary Appeal Court against 1 or more of the following:
a: the finding of guilty:
b: the punishment, or the combination of punishments, imposed in relation to that finding:
c: an order of compensation or restitution (or both) made in relation to that finding:
d: an order made under section 117T
125: Notice of appeal
1: An appeal under section 124
a: the prescribed period; or
b: any further time that the Summary Appeal Court may allow on application made before or after the expiration of that period.
2: An application under subsection (1)(b)
a: be in the prescribed form; and
b: be lodged with the Registrar with the notice of appeal if made after the expiration of the prescribed period.
3: Every notice of appeal must specify—
a: the finding, punishment, combination of punishments, or order appealed from; and
b: the grounds of appeal in sufficient detail to fully inform the Summary Appeal Court of the issues in the appeal; and
c: any other particulars that are prescribed by the rules of procedure for the purposes of this section.
4: If the time for lodging a notice of appeal with the Registrar expires on a day on which the office of the Registrar is closed, and by reason of that closure the notice cannot be lodged on that day, the notice is deemed to be lodged in time if it is lodged on the day on which the office is next open.
5: In this section, prescribed period
a: a period of 35 days commencing with the day after the day on which the finding of guilty by the disciplinary officer is recorded if the charge is tried summarily, or otherwise dealt with, under Part 5
b: a period of 21 days commencing with the day after the day on which the finding of guilty by the disciplinary officer is recorded if the charge is tried summarily, or otherwise dealt with, under Part 5
126: Registrar and disciplinary officer must provide copies of documents
1: The Registrar must, as soon as practicable after receiving a notice of appeal, provide a copy of the notice of appeal to the disciplinary officer who made the finding of guilty and to the Director of Military Prosecutions.
2: The disciplinary officer must, within 14 days of receiving a copy of the notice of appeal under subsection (1)
3: The Registrar must, within 7 days of receiving the documents under subsection (2)
127: Abandonment of appeal
1: An appellant may, at any time after he or she has lodged a notice of appeal, abandon the appeal by giving to the Registrar notice of abandonment in the prescribed form.
2: If it is contended on the appellant's behalf that the appellant is insane, a notice of abandonment may be given and signed by the appellant's representative.
3: The signature of the appellant or his or her representative to a notice of abandonment must be witnessed by a member of a specialist legal branch or corps in the Armed Forces, or the appellant's commanding officer, or an officer not below the rank of lieutenant commander in the Navy, major in the Army, or squadron leader in the Air Force.
128: Effect of appeal on punishments and orders
A punishment, a combination of punishments, or an order appealed against under this Part is not suspended by reason of the appeal unless—
a: the rules of the Summary Appeal Court specify that the punishment, the combination of punishments, or the order is suspended; or
b: the Summary Appeal Court directs that the punishment, the combination of punishments, or the order is suspended. Special reference by Judge Advocate General
129: Special references to Summary Appeal Court
1: The Judge Advocate General may refer 1 or more of the following matters to the Summary Appeal Court if the Judge Advocate General considers that it is in the interests of justice or discipline to do so:
a: a finding of guilty by a disciplinary officer:
b: the punishment, or the combination of punishments, imposed in relation to a finding of guilty by a disciplinary officer:
c: an order of compensation or restitution (or both) made in relation to a finding of guilty by a disciplinary officer:
d: an order made under section 117T
2: For the purposes of this Part, a referral under this section must, with all necessary modifications, be treated as an appeal by the person found guilty of the offence.
3: A reference under this section must—
a: be lodged with the Registrar; and
b: specify the finding, punishment, combination of punishments, or order concerned; and
c: specify the reasons for the reference in sufficient detail to fully inform the Summary Appeal Court of the issues in the appeal; and
d: specify any other particulars that are prescribed by the rules of procedure for the purposes of this section.
4: If a person has been found guilty of an offence by a disciplinary officer, any person (including the person found guilty) may, in the prescribed manner, petition the Judge Advocate General to refer to the Summary Appeal Court under this section 1 subsection (1)(a) to (d)
130: Person found guilty must be informed of reference and may comment
1: The Registrar must, as soon as practicable after receiving a reference from the Judge Advocate General, send to the person found guilty of the offence—
a: a copy of the reference; and
b: a notice, in the prescribed form, that—
i: asks for the person's written views on the finding of guilty, the punishment, the combination of punishments, or the order concerned to be sent to the Registrar within the prescribed period; and
ii: asks for the person's written advice as to whether he or she wants to be legally represented at an oral hearing of the matter to be sent to the Registrar within the prescribed period; and
iii: advises him or her of the effect of subsection (2)
2: The Summary Appeal Court may deal with a reference from the Judge Advocate General by way of a hearing on the papers if the person who is sent a notice under subsection (1)
a: indicates that he or she does not want to be legally represented at an oral hearing of the matter; or
b: otherwise indicates that he or she does not require an oral hearing of the matter; or
c: does not provide written advice under subsection (1)(b)(ii)
3: In this section, prescribed period subsection (1)(b) Powers of Summary Appeal Court
131: Appeals to proceed by way of rehearing and general power of Summary Appeal Court
1: Appeals to the Summary Appeal Court proceed by way of rehearing.
2: The Summary Appeal Court has, for the purposes of this Act, full power to determine, under this Act, any question necessary to be determined for the purpose of doing justice in any case before the Court.
132: Power of Summary Appeal Court in respect of finding of guilty
1: The Summary Appeal Court must, on an appeal against a finding that a person is guilty of an offence,—
a: allow the appeal if it considers that—
i: the finding of the disciplinary officer should be set aside on the ground that it is unreasonable or cannot be supported having regard to the evidence; or
ii: the finding of the disciplinary officer involves a wrong decision on a question of law; or
iii: there was, on any ground, a miscarriage of justice; or
iv: the summary trial was a nullity; and
b: dismiss the appeal in any other case.
2: However, the Summary Appeal Court may dismiss the appeal if it considers that no substantial miscarriage of justice has actually occurred even though it considers that the point raised in the appeal might be decided in favour of the appellant.
3: If the Summary Appeal Court allows an appeal under subsection (1)
a: must quash the finding of guilty; and
b: may do any of the following:
i: direct a finding of not guilty of having committed the offence to be entered; or
ii: direct a new trial to be held by the disciplinary officer or by the Court Martial; or
iii: make any other order that justice requires.
4: In making an order under subsection (3)(b)(ii)
a: advise the disciplinary officer or the Court Martial (as the case may be) of its reasons for so doing; and
b: give to the disciplinary officer or the Court Martial (as the case may be) any directions that it thinks fit.
5: In conducting a new trial of the charge, the disciplinary officer or the Court Martial (as the case may be) must have regard to the Summary Appeal Court's reasons for making an order under subsection (3)(b)(ii) subsection (4)
133: Power of Summary Appeal Court in respect of punishments
1: The Summary Appeal Court may, on an appeal against a punishment or a combination of punishments,—
a: quash the punishment, or the combination of punishments, if—
i: all of the findings of guilty in relation to the punishment, or the combination of punishments, have seen quashed; or
ii: the Court considers that the disciplinary officer did not have the power to impose the punishment or the combination of punishments; or
iii: the Court considers that the punishment, or the combination of punishments, is too severe; or
b: vary the punishment, or the combination of punishments, if—
i: the Court considers that the disciplinary officer did not have the power to impose the punishment or the combination of punishments; or
ii: the Court considers that the punishment, or the combination of punishments, is too severe; or
c: dismiss the appeal.
2: The Summary Appeal Court may vary the punishment, or the combination of punishments, under subsection (1)(b)
a: the disciplinary officer would have had the power to impose; and
b: in the opinion of the Summary Appeal Court, is no more severe than the punishment, or the combination of punishments, originally imposed.
3: If the punishment, or the combination of punishments, is varied, the varied punishment, or combination of punishments,—
a: is deemed to have been imposed by the disciplinary officer; and
b: has effect as if imposed on the day on which the original punishment, or combination of punishments, was imposed.
134: Power of Summary Appeal Court in respect of orders for compensation and restitution and orders to come up for punishment if called on
1: The Summary Appeal Court may, on an appeal against an order of compensation or restitution (or both) or an order under section 117T
a: quash the order if—
i: all of the findings of guilty in relation to the order have been quashed; or
ii: the Court considers that the disciplinary officer did not have the power to make the order; or
iii: the Court considers that the order is too severe; or
iv: in the case of an order under section 117T
b: vary the order if the Court—
i: considers that the order is too severe; or
ii: otherwise considers that a variation is necessary for the maintenance of discipline or in the interests of justice; or
c: dismiss the appeal.
2: If an order under section 117T subsection (1)(a)(iv)
a: the Summary Appeal Court may impose a punishment, or combination of punishments, that the disciplinary officer would have had the power to impose; and
b: that punishment, or combination of punishments,—
i: is deemed to have been imposed by the disciplinary officer; and
ii: has effect as if imposed on the day on which the order under section 117T
3: The Summary Appeal Court may vary the order under subsection (1)(b)
a: that the disciplinary officer would have had the power to make; and
b: that, in the case of an order requiring the payment of compensation,—
i: reduces the amount of compensation to be paid; or
ii: increases the amount of compensation to be paid; and
c: that, in the case of an order requiring restitution,—
i: requires property additional to or different from that specified in the order to be restored to the person who appears to the Court to be entitled to it; or
ii: excludes part of the property that is specified in the order if the Court considers that the person to whom property is to be restored is not entitled to that part.
4: If an order is varied under this section, the varied order—
a: is deemed to have been made by the disciplinary officer; and
b: has effect as if made on the day on which the original order was made.
135: Supplementary powers of Summary Appeal Court
For the purposes of any proceedings in the Summary Appeal Court, the Court may—
a: order that all necessary steps be taken to obtain from the disciplinary officer who tried, or otherwise dealt with, the charge against the appellant a report that—
i: sets out the disciplinary officer's opinion on the case or on any point arising in the case; or
ii: contains a statement of any facts that the Court considers to be in need of clarification because they appear to the Court to be material for the purpose of the determination of the case:
b: appoint any person with special expert knowledge to act as an assessor to the Court in any case if it appears to the Court that special knowledge is required for the proper determination of the case:
c: issue any warrants necessary for enforcing the orders of, or punishments imposed by, the Court. Decisions of Summary Appeal Court
136: Decisions of Summary Appeal Court final
1: The decision of the Summary Appeal Court on any appeal under this Part is final and conclusive, and there is no right of appeal against the Court's decision.
2: The Summary Appeal Court must state its reasons in writing for a decision on any appeal under this Part. Sittings of Summary Appeal Court
137: Sittings of Summary Appeal Court
1: The Summary Appeal Court—
a: must sit in open court unless section 138 or 139
b: may sit in any place that the Judge Advocate General may direct, whether in New Zealand or elsewhere; and
c: may conduct its proceedings by teleconference or by any means of communication that allows individuals a reasonable opportunity to participate in the proceedings.
2: Subsection (1)(c)
3: A sitting of the Summary Appeal Court may be adjourned from time to time and from place to place.
138: When Summary Appeal Court must hold proceedings in closed court
1: The Summary Appeal Court must hold its proceedings in closed court while deliberating on whether to allow an appeal.
2: The Summary Appeal Court may hold its proceedings in closed court on any other deliberation.
3: When the Summary Appeal Court holds its proceedings in closed court, only the following persons may be present:
a: the Judge:
b: any other persons authorised by the Judge.
139: Summary Appeal Court may limit scope of open court
1: In any proceedings in the Summary Appeal Court, the Court may make any of the orders specified in subsection (2)
a: a statement may be made or evidence given in the course of those proceedings that might lead to the disclosure of information that would or might—
i: be directly or indirectly useful to the enemy or any foreign country; or
ii: be otherwise harmful to New Zealand; or
b: the making of the order—
i: is necessary in the interests of justice; or
ii: is desirable in the interests of public morality; or
iii: is necessary for the protection of the reputation of a victim of an alleged sexual offence or offence of extortion.
2: The orders referred to in subsection (1)
a: an order forbidding publication of any report or account of the whole or any part of the proceedings, including any evidence adduced or submissions made:
b: an order forbidding the publication of the name of any person connected, whether as a witness or otherwise, with the proceedings or of any name or particulars likely to lead to the identification of that person:
c: an order excluding all or any persons, except the following:
i: the Director of Military Prosecutions or any person acting on behalf of the Director:
ii: the appellant's counsel:
iii: the Registrar or any other officer of the Summary Appeal Court:
iv: an interpreter required in the proceedings:
v: a person expressly permitted by the Summary Appeal Court to be present.
3: However, the Summary Appeal Court may make an order specified in subsection (2)(c) subsection (1)(a) subsection (1)(b)
4: An order specified in subsection (2)
a: may be made for a limited period or permanently; and
b: if it is made for a limited period, may be renewed for a further period or periods or made permanent by the Summary Appeal Court at any time; and
c: if it is made permanently, may be reviewed by the Summary Appeal Court at any time. Miscellaneous procedural provisions
140: Right of appellant to present his or her case in writing and restricted right of appellant to be present
1: An appellant under this Part may, instead of having his or her case presented orally, have it presented in writing.
2: If subsection (1)
3: An appellant under this Part is not entitled to be present at the hearing of an appeal under this Part or at any proceedings preliminary or incidental to that appeal.
4: Subsection (3)
a: the rules of procedure provide that the appellant has the right to be present; or
b: the Summary Appeal Court gives the appellant leave to be present.
5: A power of the Summary Appeal Court under this Part may be exercised despite the absence of the appellant.
141: Defence of appeals and representation of appellant
1: The Director of Military Prosecutions must undertake the defence of an appeal to the Summary Appeal Court.
2: An appellant under this Part may be represented by a lawyer.
142: Costs of appeal
1: On the hearing and determination of an appeal or any proceedings preliminary or incidental to the appeal under this Part, no costs may be allowed on either side.
2: The following expenses must be defrayed in the same manner as the expenses of a trial of a criminal case in the High Court:
a: the expenses of any witnesses attending on the order of the Summary Appeal Court or examined in any proceedings preliminary or incidental to the appeal under this Part:
b: the expenses of, and incidental to, the appearance of the appellant on the hearing of his or her appeal under this Part or on any proceedings preliminary or incidental to that appeal:
c: all expenses of, and incidental to, any examination of witnesses conducted by any person appointed by the Summary Appeal Court for the purpose:
d: the expenses of any person appointed as assessor to the Summary Appeal Court.
143: Removal of prisoners for purposes of proceedings under this Part
Provision may be made by orders made by the Chief of Defence Force, or by regulations made under the Corrections Act 2004
a: taken to, kept in custody at, and brought back from any place at which he or she is entitled to be present for the purposes of this Part; or
b: taken to any place to which the Summary Appeal Court may order him or her to be taken for the purpose of any hearing or proceedings of the Court.
144: Duties of Registrar with respect to appeals
1: The Registrar must—
a: take all necessary steps for obtaining the determination of an appeal under this Part; and
b: obtain and lay before the Summary Appeal Court in proper form all documents, exhibits, and other things relating to the relevant summary trial that appear necessary for the proper determination of the appeal; and
c: provide the necessary forms and instructions relating to notices of appeal under this Part to any person who asks for them, to persons in charge of places where persons punished by a disciplinary officer may lawfully be detained, and to any other persons that the Registrar thinks fit.
2: Every person in charge of a place referred to in subsection (1)(c) Amendments to
Part 7
39: New heading to Part 7 substituted
The heading to Part 7 Other provisions relating to proceedings generally
40: New section 145 substituted
Section 145
145: Application of
sections 139 to 141 of Criminal Justice Act 1985 Sections 139 to 141 of the Criminal Justice Act 1985
41: Sections 146 and 147 repealed
Sections 146 and 147
42: Section 149 repealed
Section 149
43: New sections 150 to 150G substituted
Section 150 Rules of procedure
150: Rules of procedure
The Governor-General may, by Order in Council, make rules of procedure for all or any of the following purposes:
a: providing for the drawing of charges:
b: providing for the procedures for bringing charges before disciplinary officers:
c: providing for the manner in which charges brought before disciplinary officers are to be investigated or otherwise dealt with under Part 5
d: providing for the replacement of a disciplinary officer in the event of the officer being unable to continue to act:
e: providing for the advice that must be given under section 1170:
f: providing for the withdrawal of an election for trial by the Court Martial, including providing for when and how that withdrawal may be made and how that withdrawal must be dealt with:
g: prescribing information, documents, and forms for the purposes of any provision of this Act, the rules of procedure, or the Court Martial Act 2007
h: authorising the Chief of Defence Force to prescribe the information, documents, and forms referred to in paragraph (g)
i: providing for the recording of proceedings before disciplinary officers (including providing for the authentication, storage, and control of, and access to, those records):
j: providing for adequate disclosure to be made to an accused or an appellant in connection with a proceeding before a military tribunal:
k: providing for the expenses of members of the Court Martial and of witnesses giving evidence before the Court Martial and other proceedings under this Act:
l: providing for the procedure to be observed in proceedings before the Summary Appeal Court:
m: providing for the procedure to be observed in trials by the Court Martial:
n: providing for the recording of pleas in relation to charges before the Court Martial (including the recording of a plea of guilty before a Judge sitting alone) and the circumstances in which a plea may be accepted:
o: providing for the procedure to be observed in new trials by disciplinary officers or the Court Martial directed to be held under any provision of this Act or of the Court Martial Appeals Act 1953
p: empowering the Director of Military Prosecutions, with the leave of a Judge, in such cases and to such extent as the rules specify, to amend a charge before the Court Martial:
q: specifying any matter referred to in section 87A(1)
r: specifying any matter referred to in section 87A(1) section 26(1) of the Sale of Goods Act 1908
s: providing for the remuneration and expenses of members and witnesses attending a court of inquiry:
t: providing for any other matters contemplated by this Act, necessary for its administration, or necessary for giving it full effect, in relation to the investigation, trial, and punishment of offences against this Act. Protection from civil liability, privileges, and immunities
150A: Protection from civil liability
No civil proceedings may be brought against a military tribunal or court of inquiry and, as the case may be, any of its members for anything done or omitted to be done, or for any words spoken or written, in good faith, at, or for the purposes of, any proceedings before that tribunal or court of inquiry under this Act.
150B: Privileges and immunities of witnesses and of certain other persons appearing before military tribunals and courts of inquiry
The following persons have the same privileges and immunities as witnesses, counsel, and interpreters in the High Court:
a: every witness attending and giving evidence before a military tribunal or court of inquiry; and
b: every defending officer and every presenting officer appearing before a disciplinary officer; and
c: the Director of Military Prosecutions and every counsel appearing before the Court Martial or the Summary Appeal Court; and
d: every counsel appearing before a court of inquiry; and
e: every interpreter appearing before a military tribunal or court of inquiry. Power to summon witnesses
150C: Power to summon witnesses
1: The persons referred to in subsection (2)
a: attend at the time and place specified in the summons; and
b: give evidence; and
c: produce any papers, documents, records, or things in that person's possession or under that person's control that are relevant to the subject of the relevant proceedings.
2: The persons are—
a: a disciplinary officer (for the purposes of any proceedings before the disciplinary officer):
b: the Judge or the Registrar of the Summary Appeal Court (for the purposes of any proceedings in the Summary Appeal Court).
3: A summons—
a: must be in the prescribed form; and
b: may be issued—
i: on the initiative of the disciplinary officer, Judge, or Registrar of the Summary Appeal Court; or
ii: on the application of the presenting officer, the Director of Military Prosecutions, the accused, or the appellant.
150D: Service of summons
1: A summons to a witness may be served—
a: by delivering it to the person summoned; or
b: by posting it by registered letter addressed to the person summoned at that person's usual place of residence.
2: The summons must,—
a: if it is served under subsection (1)(a)
b: if it is served under subsection (1)(b)
3: If the summons is posted by registered letter, it is deemed for the purposes of subsection (2)(b) Contempt
150E: Contempt of military tribunal or court of inquiry
A person who is not subject to this Act commits a contempt of a military tribunal or court of inquiry if the person—
a: fails without reasonable excuse to comply with a summons or order to attend as a witness before the military tribunal or court of inquiry; or
b: refuses to swear an oath when required to do so by the military tribunal or court of inquiry; or
c: refuses to produce any papers, documents, records, or things in that person's possession or under that person's control that the military tribunal or court of inquiry has lawfully required the person to produce; or
d: being a witness, refuses to answer any question that the military tribunal or court of inquiry has lawfully required the person to answer; or
e: disobeys or evades any order or direction made or given by the military tribunal or court of inquiry in the course of the hearing of any proceedings before it; or
f: wilfully publishes any statement in respect of the proceedings of the military tribunal or court of inquiry that—
i: without foundation states or implies that the military tribunal or court of inquiry has not acted or is not acting impartially; or
ii: is likely to interfere with the proper administration of justice; or
g: insults, threatens, or interferes with a disciplinary officer or any member of the Summary Appeal Court, the Court Martial, or the court of inquiry while the disciplinary officer or member is attending, or is on the way to or from, the proceedings before the disciplinary officer, the Summary Appeal Court, the Court Martial, or the court of inquiry; or
h: insults, threatens, or interferes with any witness or other person under a duty to attend the proceedings of the military tribunal or court of inquiry while the witness or other person is attending, or is on the way to or from, the proceedings of the military tribunal or court of inquiry; or
i: interrupts the proceedings of the military tribunal or court of inquiry or otherwise misbehaves during the proceedings.
150F: District Court may deal with person who has committed contempt
1: This section applies if a military tribunal or court of inquiry considers that a person who is not subject to this Act has committed a contempt of the military tribunal or court of inquiry.
2: The military tribunal or court of inquiry may order any member of the police or provost officer, or any person subject to this Act directed by that tribunal or court, to take either of the actions specified in subsection (3)
3: The actions referred to in subsection (2)
a: to remove the person from the place where the proceedings are being held and to prevent that person from re-entering that place until the military tribunal or court of inquiry has risen; or
b: if the military tribunal or court of inquiry is held in New Zealand, to arrest the person and take him or her before the nearest District Court.
4: If a person alleged to have committed contempt of a military tribunal or court of inquiry is brought before a District Court under subsection (3)(b)
a: must inquire into the alleged contempt; and
b: may find the person guilty of the contempt after hearing—
i: any witnesses against or on behalf of the person; and
ii: any statement that may be offered in defence.
5: The penalty for contempt of a military tribunal or court of inquiry is imprisonment for a term not exceeding 1 month or a fine not exceeding $1,000, or both.
150G: Contempt by counsel
1: If counsel appears at any hearing before a military tribunal or court of inquiry, the following provisions apply:
a: any conduct of counsel that would be liable to censure or would constitute contempt of court if it took place before the High Court is similarly liable to censure by the military tribunal or court of inquiry or, as the case may be, similarly constitutes contempt of the military tribunal or court of inquiry:
b: the rules of procedure and any rules prescribed for the guidance of counsel appearing before the military tribunal or court of inquiry are binding on counsel:
c: counsel—
i: is guilty of professional misconduct if he or she disobeys any of those rules; and
ii: commits a contempt of the military tribunal or court of inquiry if he or she perseveres in the disobedience:
d: if counsel is alleged to have committed conduct liable to censure, or a contempt of the military tribunal or court of inquiry, he or she may be dealt with in the same manner as a person who is alleged to have committed a contempt of the military tribunal or court of inquiry under section 150E
2: This section does not limit sections 150E and 150F New Parts 8 and 8A substituted
44: New Parts 8 and 8A substituted
Part 8
8: Reconsideration of sentences of imprisonment or detention
151: Reconsidering Authority established
1: The Reconsidering Authority is established.
2: The Authority consists of—
a: a Judge appointed to the Authority by the Chief Judge; and
b: 2 or more superior commanders appointed to the Authority by or on behalf of the Judge Advocate General.
3: An appointment under this section must be made by written notice to the person concerned.
4: The powers of the Authority are not affected by any vacancy in its membership.
152: Functions and powers of Authority
1: The Authority—
a: must reconsider every sentence of imprisonment or detention imposed by the Court Martial that is for a term of 6 months or more; and
b: may reconsider any other sentence of imprisonment or detention imposed by the Court Martial.
2: The Authority must reconsider each sentence of imprisonment or detention at least once every 6 months while the sentence is being served.
3: Delay in complying with subsection (1)
4: For the purpose of determining the date on which a sentence should be reconsidered, an offender must be taken to have been serving the sentence during the whole of any period that the offender was held in custody.
5: Subsection (4) section 177 or 179
153: Petition for reconsideration
1: A service prisoner or detainee may lodge a petition against his or her sentence with the Authority.
2: The petition—
a: must be in the prescribed form; and
b: must be handed to the officer in charge of the place where the service prisoner or detainee is confined.
3: The officer in charge of that place must forward the petition to the Authority as soon as practicable after receiving it.
154: Authority must consider petition for reconsideration
1: The Authority must consider every petition it receives under section 153
2: However, if the Authority remits a punishment or part of a punishment or commutes a punishment, it must not make a decision that has the effect of imposing a punishment more severe than the punishment that had effect before that remission or commutation.
155: Procedure for reconsideration
1: The Authority must give a service prisoner or detainee whose sentence is to be reconsidered at least 14 days' written notice of the reconsideration.
2: The service prisoner or detainee may—
a: request a hearing before the Authority; and
b: be legally represented at the hearing.
3: If the service prisoner or detainee requests a hearing under subsection (2)(a)
a: must be given reasonable prior written notice of the date and time of the hearing; and
b: may attend and be heard at the hearing (whether personally or through an agent).
4: If the service prisoner or detainee does not request a hearing under subsection (2)(a)
156: Authority may call for written reports and hear evidence
The Authority—
a: may call for any written reports that it thinks fit in respect of a service prisoner or detainee serving a sentence of imprisonment or detention that is before it for reconsideration:
b: may hear evidence if a hearing is held.
157: Authority may regulate its procedure
1: The Authority may regulate its own procedure as it sees fit.
2: If it is necessary for the Authority to vote on any matter in order to reach a decision, each member of the Authority has 1 vote and the matter must be decided by a majority of votes.
158: Power of Authority to remit whole or part of sentence
1: At the conclusion of a reconsideration of a sentence of imprisonment or detention, the Authority may remit the whole or any part of the sentence that remains to be served on any of the following grounds:
a: good conduct by the service prisoner or detainee during the term of the sentence:
b: compassionate grounds:
c: any other grounds that the Authority thinks proper.
2: Whether or not the Authority remits the whole or any part of the sentence that remains to be served, the Authority must arrange for particulars of its decision to be promulgated in the manner that may be prescribed in the rules of procedure.
3: A decision of the Authority takes effect from the date of its promulgation.
159: Chief Judge may delegate to Registrar of Court Martial duty to appoint Judge to Authority
1: The Chief Judge may, either generally or particularly, delegate to the Registrar of the Court Martial the Chief Judge's duty under section 151(2)(a)
2: A delegation—
a: must be in writing; and
b: may be made subject to any restrictions that the Chief Judge thinks fit; and
c: is revocable at any time, in writing; and
d: does not prevent the performance or exercise of a function, duty, or power by the Chief Judge.
3: The Registrar of the Court Martial may perform any duties delegated under subsection (1)
4: If the Registrar of the Court Martial appears to act under subsection (1)
8A: Armed Forces Discipline Committee
Establishment of Armed Forces Discipline Committee
160: Armed Forces Discipline Committee established
1: The Armed Forces Discipline Committee is established.
2: The Discipline Committee consists of the following 9 members:
a: the Chief of Defence Force, who will be the chairperson of the Committee; and
b: the Vice Chief of Defence Force; and
c: the Chief of Navy; and
d: the Chief of Army; and
e: the Chief of Air Force; and
f: the Commander Joint Forces New Zealand; and
g: the Judge Advocate General; and
h: the Director of Military Prosecutions; and
i: a representative of the Armed Forces Defence Counsel Panel who is appointed by the Judge Advocate General.
3: The Judge Advocate General must—
a: make an appointment under subsection (2)(i)
b: provide a copy of the notice to the Chief of Defence Force.
4: The notice must—
a: state the date on which the appointment takes effect, which must not be earlier than the date on which the notice is received; and
b: state the term of the appointment.
5: The powers of the Discipline Committee are not affected by any vacancy in its membership.
161: Purpose of Discipline Committee
The purpose of the Discipline Committee is to produce sentencing guidelines for offences against this Act in order to ensure consistency in the sentencing practice of the Court Martial.
162: Functions of Discipline Committee
1: The functions of the Discipline Committee are—
a: to produce sentencing guidelines on the following in relation to offences against this Act:
i: sentencing principles:
ii: sentencing levels:
iii: particular types of sentences:
iv: other matters relating to sentencing practice:
v: grounds for departure from the sentencing guidelines; and
b: any functions that are incidental and related to, or consequential on, its functions set out in paragraph (a)
2: In performing its functions, the Discipline Committee must ensure that any sentencing guidelines it produces are, to the extent that they are applicable, consistent with the following:
a: the Sentencing Act 2002
b: any guidelines published by the Sentencing Council established under the Sentencing Council Act 2007
3: The Discipline Committee must carry out its functions independently of the Minister.
163: Chief of Defence Force must publish sentencing guidelines
The Chief of Defence Force must publish any sentencing guidelines produced by the Discipline Committee under this Part as Defence Force Orders. Administrative provisions relating to Discipline Committee
164: Appointed member
1: A person who is appointed under section 160(2)(i) appointed member
2: An appointed member may be reappointed for 1 further term, but the total of the further term together with the initial term must not exceed 7 years.
3: An appointed member continues in office despite the expiry of his or her term of office until—
a: the member is reappointed; or
b: the member's successor is appointed.
4: An appointed member may resign from office by written notice to the Judge Advocate General.
5: An appointed member may at any time be removed from office by written notice from the Judge Advocate General for inability to perform the functions of office, neglect of duty, or misconduct.
165: Remuneration of members
1: A person who is a member of the Discipline Committee because of his or her office is not entitled to receive any fees, allowances, or expenses for services as a member in addition to his or her remuneration in respect of that office.
2: An appointed member is entitled to receive the fees, allowances, and expenses for services as a member that are fixed or determined by or in accordance with regulations made under section 205(1)(c)
166: Procedure of Discipline Committee generally
The Discipline Committee may regulate its own procedures.
166A: Quorum for meetings
1: A quorum for a meeting of the Discipline Committee—
a: is the number that is half the number of members; and
b: must include the Chief of Defence Force and the Judge Advocate General.
2: No business may be transacted at a meeting of the Discipline Committee if a quorum is not present.
166B: Other procedure at meetings
Every written report submitted by the senior military member of the Court Martial under section 34 of the Court Martial Act 2007
166C: Voting at meetings
1: Each member of the Discipline Committee has 1 vote.
2: In addition to his or her general vote, the chairperson has, in the case of an equality of votes, a casting vote.
3: A decision whether or not to finalise any sentencing guidelines must be decided by a majority vote of the Chief of Defence Force, the Judge Advocate General, and any other members present.
166D: Protection from liability
No member of the Discipline Committee is personally liable for any act done or omitted to be done by the Committee in good faith in the performance or intended performance of its functions. Amendments to
Part 9
45: Manner in which sentences of imprisonment and detention are to be served
1: Section 168(2A) section 166 Part 8
2: Section 168(3)(c) court-martial or the commanding officer Court Martial or disciplinary officer
46: Committal, removal, release, etc., of members of the Armed Forces serving imprisonment or detention
1: Section 169(2) an officer exercising summary powers a disciplinary officer
2: Section 169(4)
a: omitting by court-martial by the Court Martial
b: omitting the court-martial the Court Martial
c: omitting subsection (2) of section 149 of this Act section 76 of the Court Martial Act 2007
47: Places in which sentences of imprisonment or detention may be served
Section 171(3) the court-martial which sentenced him or any reviewing authority reviewing the proceedings of that court the Court Martial
48: Imprisonment and detention of members of other forces attached to Armed Forces
Section 172(1)(a) court-martial the Court Martial
49: Imprisonment and detention of members of Armed Forces attached to other forces
Section 173(2) court-martial the Court Martial
50: Establishment and regulation of service prisons and detention quarters
Section 175(2)(a) courts-martial the Court Martial
51: Commencement of sentences
1: Section 177 subsection (1)
1: A term of imprisonment or detention to which an offender is sentenced under this Act begins to run from the beginning of the day on which the sentence was passed, whether the sentence was passed by the Court Martial or by a disciplinary officer.
1A: Subsection (1)
2: Section 177(3)(a) a court-martial the Court Martial
52: Effect of period spent in custody before being sentenced
Section 177A(1) a court-martial under section 81A of this Act section 102(5A) of this Act the Court Martial under section 81A section 117Y
53: Consecutive sentences
1: Section 178(1) a court-martial the Court Martial
2: Section 178(1) court Court
3: Section 178(2) and (3) court-martial Court Martial
4: Section 178(2)(a), (3)(a), (5)(a), and (6)(a) review or
5: Section 178(4) a court-martial or an officer exercising summary powers, that court or officer the Court Martial or a disciplinary officer, the Court or that officer
6: Section 178(5) and (6) court-martial or the officer exercising summary powers Court Martial or the disciplinary officer
54: Limitation of term of detention under one or more sentences
Section 179(2) or section 183
55: Sections 181 to 183 and heading above section 181 repealed
Sections 181 to 183 section 181
56: Recovery in District Court of fines imposed under this Act
1: Section 185 subsection (1)
1: If a fine has been imposed by the Court Martial, or by a disciplinary officer, on a person for an offence against this Act (whether in New Zealand or elsewhere), a certificate purporting to be signed by a competent service authority specifying particulars of the conviction and the fine imposed may be filed in any District Court in New Zealand (without payment of any fee).
1A: Subsection (1) section 85
2: Section 185(2)
a: by omitting Registrar of the Court Registrar of the District Court
b: by omitting Court court
57: Compensation to victims of offences occasioning physical harm
1: The heading to section 186A occasioning causing
2: Section 186A subsections (1) and (2)
1: If any accused is found guilty, whether summarily or by the Court Martial, of any offence arising out of any act or omission that caused physical harm to any other person (whether a member of the Armed Forces or a civilian and whether or not causing the physical harm constitutes a necessary element of the offence at law) and the accused is punished by a fine, then the disciplinary officer or the Court Martial, as the case may require, may, in his, her, or its discretion, award by way of compensation to the victim a portion of the fine, not exceeding one half, as he, she, or it thinks fit.
2: However, no award of compensation may be made under subsection (1)
a: was unprovoked; and
b: caused bodily injury to the victim. Amendments to
Part 10
58: Interpretation of terms used in this Part
The definition of qualified medical practitioner section 187(1) paragraph (b)
b: in the case of a trial in the Court Martial held overseas, includes a person approved by the Judge.
59: When court may find accused unfit to stand trial
1: Section 188 court Court
2: Section 188(1) A court-martial The Court Martial
60: Determining if accused unfit to stand trial
1: Section 188A(1)
a: by omitting a court-martial the Court Martial
b: by omitting court Court
2: Section 188A(2) court Court
3: Section 188A(3)
4: Section 188A(5)
a: by omitting a court-martial the Court Martial
b: by omitting court Court
61: Court may postpone finding as to unfitness to stand trial
1: The heading to section 188B Martial Court
2: Section 188B(1) A court-martial The Court Martial
3: Section 188B(2) court Court
62: Finding of insanity
1: Section 190(1)
a: by omitting court-martial the Court Martial
b: by omitting court Court
2: Section 190(1A)
a: by omitting A court-martial The Court Martial
b: by omitting the court-martial the Court Martial
3: Section 190(2)
a: by omitting court-martial the Court Martial
b: by omitting court Court
4: Section 190(3)
a: by omitting a judge advocate the Judge
b: by omitting a court-martial the military members
63: Order to be made if person unfit to stand trial or insane
1: Section 191(1)
a: by omitting court-martial the Court Martial
b: by omitting court Court
2: Section 191(2) court's Court's
3: Section 191(2) to (5) court Court
4: Section 191(4) report the matter to the convening officer refer the matter to the Director of Military Prosecutions
5: Section 191(7) has been approved by a reviewing authority under section 198(4)(a) of this Act
64: Duration of order for detention as special patient where defendant unfit to stand trial
1: Section 192 a court-martial the Court Martial
2: Section 192(3) court Court
3: Section 192(4) by court-martial by the Court Martial
4: Section 192(6) by court-martial by the Court Martial
65: Duration of order for detention as special patient when person acquitted on account of his insanity
Section 193(1) a court-martial the Court Martial
66: Power of court-martial to commit to hospital on conviction
1: The heading to section 194 court-martial Court Martial
2: Section 194(1)
1: If the Court Martial (whether in New Zealand or elsewhere) convicts a person of an offence that is punishable by imprisonment, the Court may, if satisfied of the matters specified in subsection (1A)
a: sentence the person to a term of imprisonment and also order that the person be detained in a hospital as a special patient under the Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act 1992
b: instead of passing sentence, order that the person be treated as a patient under the Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act 1992
3: Section 194(1A) court Court
4: Section 194(3) shall be kept in strict custody pending the review of his conviction, and, if the conviction and order are approved by the reviewing authority, the accused
67: Sections 197 and 198 repealed
Sections 197 and 198 Amendments to
Part 11
68: New sections 200 to 200T substituted
Section 200
200: Interpretation
In sections 200A to 200T assembling authority
a: the Chief of Defence Force; or
b: the officer in command of any part of the Armed Forces member
a: means a member of a court of inquiry; and
b: includes the president president record of proceedings
a: the record of the evidence collected; and
b: any report or comment made by the court and attached to the record of the evidence.
200A: Courts of inquiry may be assembled
1: An assembling authority may assemble 1 or more courts of inquiry.
2: A court of inquiry—
a: may be assembled for the purpose of collecting and recording evidence on any matters that the assembling authority has referred to the court; and
b: must report and comment on those matters, if required to do so by the assembling authority.
3: A court of inquiry may be assembled to perform the functions and duties, and exercise the powers, of a competent tribunal under Article 5 of Schedule 3 of the Geneva Conventions Act 1958
200B: Composition of court of inquiry
1: A court of inquiry must consist of not less than 2 members, of whom at least 1 must be an officer and the other or others must be officers, warrant officers, or members of the Civil Staff (within the meaning of section 2(1) of the Defence Act 1990
2: The assembling authority must appoint 1 of the members who is an officer to be president of the court of inquiry.
3: The assembling authority—
a: may appoint an officer who is a barrister or solicitor of the High Court as counsel to assist the court; and
b: must do so if the assembling authority considers that—
i: the character or reputation of any person may be affected by the inquiry; or
ii: the inquiry is likely to involve complex or serious issues of fact or law, or both.
4: A counsel appointed under subsection (3)
200C: Order assembling court of inquiry
1: The order assembling a court of inquiry must—
a: be in the form prescribed by the Chief of Defence Force; and
b: specify the composition of the court, the place and time at which the court is to assemble, and the terms of reference of the court.
2: The assembling authority may, at any time, revoke, vary, or suspend the order.
200D: Rank and seniority of members
If a court of inquiry is appointed to inquire into the conduct of an officer or warrant officer,—
a: every member must be of at least equal rank and seniority to that officer or warrant officer; and
b: at least 1 member must be of superior rank.
200E: Terms of reference
The assembling authority must—
a: provide the court of inquiry with appropriate terms of reference; and
b: state whether any report or comment is required upon the matter under investigation.
200F: Court of inquiry to sit in private
1: A court of inquiry must sit in private, and no person may attend a sitting of the court except—
a: the members:
b: a counsel appointed under section 200B(3)
c: a witness giving evidence:
d: if section 200N
i: the person who is affected or is likely to be affected by the inquiry:
ii: that person's legal representative if the president approves the person being legally represented at the inquiry:
e: any other persons who may be authorised by the president to be present.
2: A person may not be represented at the inquiry and may not have an adviser present to assist him or her at the inquiry, unless—
a: section 200N
b: the president approves the person who is affected or is likely to be affected by the inquiry being legally represented.
200G: Assembly and procedure
1: A court of inquiry must assemble at the time and place specified in the order assembling the court.
2: However, if the court is unable for any reason to assemble at the time or place so specified, it must—
a: assemble as soon as possible after that time or, as the case may be, as near to that place as possible; and
b: note in the record of proceedings its reasons for being unable to assemble at the time or place specified.
3: The president must lay the order and the terms of reference before the court and the court must then proceed to collect and record evidence in accordance with section 200K
200H: Sittings of court of inquiry
1: A court of inquiry must sit at the times and in the places that the president appoints.
2: The president may adjourn the court.
3: Despite subsections (1) and (2)
200I: Attendance of witnesses
1: The president may direct a witness to attend before the court—
a: by an order given by the president, if the witness is subject to this Act; or
b: by a summons signed by the president, if the witness is not subject to this Act.
2: Every summons to a witness issued under subsection (1)(b)
a: be in the form prescribed by the Chief of Defence Force; and
b: be served on the witness in one of the following ways:
i: by being delivered to the witness personally, or by being brought to his or her notice if he or she refuses to accept it:
ii: by being left for the witness with some other person at the witness's usual place of residence at least 24 hours before his or her attendance is required:
iii: by being sent to the witness by registered letter addressed to the witness's last known or usual place of residence or place of business.
3: The president may order or summon any person whom the court thinks fit to attend to give evidence before the court.
4: Subsection (3) section 200N
200J: Witness to be sworn
1: Every witness must be sworn by a member in the form and manner prescribed by the Chief of Defence Force before giving evidence.
2: If a court of inquiry considers that a child who is called as a witness does not understand the nature of an oath, the child's evidence may be received even though it is not given on oath, so long as the court is of the opinion that the child—
a: has sufficient intelligence to justify the reception of the evidence; and
b: understands the duty of speaking the truth.
3: If any person referred to in subsection (1)
4: The making of an affirmation under subsection (3)
200K: Collecting and recording of evidence
1: A court of inquiry is not bound by the ordinary rules relating to the admissibility of evidence and may admit in evidence any matter of hearsay or any other matter that would not be admissible in a court of law.
2: If a court of inquiry admits evidence of that kind, it is for the court to determine the weight to be attached to that evidence.
3: A court of inquiry must put any questions to a witness that it considers desirable—
a: to test the truth or accuracy of any evidence given by the witness; and
b: to elicit any further information that may be necessary to determine the truth.
4: A court of inquiry must record, or arrange to be recorded in writing, the evidence of every witness—
a: in narrative form as nearly as possible in the words used; or
b: if the court considers it expedient, in the form of questions and answers.
5: Each witness may read over the record of his or her evidence and may ask that any necessary corrections be made to it.
6: Each witness must initial all alterations and must then sign the record of his or her evidence at the end and initial each page of it.
200L: Interpreters and recorders
1: A competent and impartial person or persons may be appointed at any time during the course of the inquiry by either the assembling authority or the president to act as interpreter, shorthand writer, typist, or operator of a recording machine to assist the court in collecting and recording the evidence.
2: Before an interpreter commences his or her duties, a member must administer an oath to the interpreter in the form and manner prescribed by the Chief of Defence Force.
3: If an interpreter objects to being sworn, or it is not reasonably practicable to administer an oath to that person in a manner appropriate to his or her religious belief, the person may be permitted to make a solemn affirmation instead of swearing an oath.
4: The making of an affirmation under subsection (3)
200M: Procedure if conduct of superior officer may be in question
1: The president must adjourn the court of inquiry and report to the assembling authority if at any time it appears to the court that the conduct of an officer or a warrant officer who is senior or superior in rank to a member is, or is likely to be, called into question in the course of the inquiry.
2: On receiving the president's report, the assembling authority must consider the matter and, if satisfied that the conduct of the person is or is likely to be called into question, may dissolve the court and assemble a new court, having regard to the requirements of section 200D
3: If the assembling authority does not dissolve the court, the assembling authority must direct it to continue its inquiry even though the conduct of an officer or a warrant officer senior or superior in rank to a member is, or is likely to be, called into question.
4: Subsection (3) subsection (1)
200N: Rights of person who may be affected by inquiry
1: If at any time it appears to an assembling authority or to a court of inquiry that an inquiry affects or is likely to affect the character or the reputation of any person (whether or not the person is subject to this Act), the president must—
a: ensure that the person is given adequate notice of the time, place, date, and nature of the inquiry; and
b: give the person a reasonable opportunity to exercise the rights set out in subsection (2)
2: The rights referred to in subsection (1)
a: the person may read or have read or played back to him or her any evidence that has already been given:
b: the person may require any witness who has already given evidence to be recalled to enable him or her to question the witness:
c: the person may be present during the proceedings or the remainder of the proceedings (as the case may be) while the court is hearing evidence, and may question any witness who gives evidence that he or she considers affects his or her character or reputation:
d: the person may give evidence himself or herself, or call any witness to give evidence, to rebut or explain any evidence that has been given that he or she considers affects his or her character or reputation:
e: the person may seek and, if the exigencies of the case permit, must be granted an adjournment to enable him or her to obtain advice:
f: the person may be legally represented at the inquiry if the president approves.
3: If the person notifies the court that he or she does not wish to exercise the rights set out in subsection (2)
4: This section does not apply to an inquiry under section 201
200O: Matters president must take into account in determining whether person affected by inquiry may be legally represented
For the purposes of section 200N(2)(f)
a: the seriousness of any allegations made against, or any potential penalty that may be imposed on, that person:
b: whether any questions of law are likely to arise:
c: the capacity of that person to present his or her own case:
d: any procedural difficulties that are likely to arise:
e: the need for reasonable speed in completing the inquiry:
f: the need for fairness as between that person and all persons who may appear before the court.
200P: What happens if person affected by inquiry wishes to call witness
1: If the person who is affected or is likely to be affected by an inquiry wishes to call a witness to give evidence under section 200N(2)(d)
2: if it is impracticable to secure the attendance of a witness, the president must note that fact in the record of proceedings.
3: Despite subsection (1)
200Q: Exhibits
1: Every document or thing produced in evidence at an inquiry must be made an exhibit.
2: However, if an original document or book is produced in evidence, a court of inquiry may, instead of making it an exhibit, compare a copy of, or an extract from, the document or book with the original and, if the court is satisfied that the copy or extract is correct,—
a: the president must endorse on the copy or extract a certificate to that effect in the form prescribed by the Chief of Defence Force; and
b: the court may return the original document or book to the witness, and attach the certified copy or extract to the record of proceedings as an exhibit.
3: Every exhibit must—
a: either be marked with a number or letter in sequence and signed by the president, or have attached to it a label so marked and signed; and
b: he attached to or kept with the record of proceedings unless, in the opinion of the president, it is not expedient to do so.
4: If an exhibit is not attached to or kept with the record of proceedings, the president must ensure its safe custody pending the directions of the assembling authority for the ultimate disposal of the exhibit.
200R: Signing and dispatch of record of proceedings
1: The record of proceedings must, at the conclusion of the inquiry, be signed at the end by each member, who must add his or her rank and unit.
2: If there is a difference of opinion among the members on any material matter, the grounds of difference must be stated in the record.
3: After the record of proceedings has been signed, the president must forward it to the assembling authority, who must—
a: record on the record his or her own opinion of the findings; and
b: sign the record; and
c: if necessary, forward the record to a superior commander.
4: The record of proceedings must be given an appropriate security classification according to the nature of the inquiry and the evidence collected and recorded.
5: However, if the content of the record of proceedings does not warrant a security classification, the record of proceedings must be given an appropriate In Confidence privacy marking.
200S: Admissibility of record of proceedings, etc
1: The record of proceedings and any evidence in respect of the proceedings, including any confession, statement, or answer to a question made or given by a person during the proceedings, must not be admitted in evidence against any person in any other proceedings, judicial or otherwise.
2: If a member of the Armed Forces is charged under section 47 section 48 section 201
3: The record of proceedings and any evidence in respect of the proceedings, including any confession, statement, or answer to a question made or given by a person during the proceedings, may be given in evidence against that person if he or she is charged—
a: under section 71
b: under section 109 of the Crimes Act 1961
4: Subsection (1) subsections (2) and (3)
200T: Record of proceedings not to be disclosed
The record of proceedings of a court of inquiry must not be disclosed to—
a: persons not subject to this Act without authority from a superior commander of the service concerned; and
b: persons subject to this Act, unless those persons—
i: need to be aware of the contents to enable them to perform their service duties; or
ii: are entitled to a copy under the rules of procedure.
69: Inquiry on absence of member of the Armed Forces
Section 201(3) court-martial the Court Martial
70: Pay, service, and effects of deserters and absentees
1: Section 202(1)
1: A person subject to this Act who is convicted by the Court Martial or as provided in section 201
1A: However, if the period of absence is less than 24 hours, the Court Martial or the disciplinary officer may cancel the forfeiture under subsection (1)
2: Section 202(5)(a)
a: is less than 24 hours, it must be counted (except for the purposes of subsection (1A) .
71: Appointment and functions of Judge Advocate General
1: Section 203(2)
2: The Judge Advocate General may not be removed from office except in accordance with section 16 of the Court Martial Act 2007
2A: The Judge Advocate General must retire from office on attaining the age of 75 years.
2: Section 203(3)
72: Deputy Judge Advocate General
Section 203A(2)
2: The Deputy Judge Advocate General may not be removed from office except in accordance with section 16 of the Court Martial Act 2007
2A: The Deputy Judge Advocate General must retire from office on attaining the age of 70 years.
73: Heading above section 205 amended
The heading above section 205 Chief of
74: Regulations
1: Section 205(1)(a) and (aa)
a: providing, in cases where a person subject to this Act (whether a member of the Armed Forces or any other person subject to this Act who is paid by the Crown in right of New Zealand) is convicted of any offence by a civil court or the Court Martial or is found guilty of an offence by a disciplinary officer, for all or any of the following:
i: the forfeiture of the whole or part of 1 day's pay and allowances for each day or part of a day during which he or she is held in civil or service custody (including imprisonment or detention) after being convicted or found guilty:
ii: the forfeiture of the whole or part of 1 day's pay and allowances for each day or part of a day during which he or she is held in civil custody before being convicted or found guilty:
iii: the forfeiture of the whole or part of 1 day's allowances for each day or part of a day during which he or she is suspended from duty by reason of the offence:
iv: the continuance or withholding of pay and allowances pending his or her conviction or acquittal:
aa: if regulations are made for the purposes of paragraph (a)
i: in the case of any member of the Armed Forces, by deduction from, or withholding or delaying payment of, any money due, owing, or payable to him or her by the Crown in relation to his or her service in the Armed Forces; and
ii: in the case of any other person subject to this Act who is paid by the Crown in right of New Zealand, by deduction from the pay or allowances payable to him or her: .
2: Section 205(1)(b) court-martial or found guilty by an officer exercising summary powers the Court Martial or found guilty by a disciplinary officer
3: Section 205(1)(c)(i) to (v)
i: counsel appointed to advise a person who is being questioned by the service authorities or is being held under close arrest:
ii: counsel appointed to appear for the Crown in the Summary Appeal Court, the Court Martial, the Court Martial Appeal Court, or any other court or tribunal that makes, or will make, a determination that may affect service discipline or the operations of the Armed Forces:
iii: counsel appointed to appear for an accused or an appellant who is on legal aid in the Summary Appeal Court, the Court Martial, the Court Martial Appeal Court, the Court of Appeal, or the Supreme Court:
iv: persons engaged by or under the authority of the Chief of Defence Force to lecture on any matter of service law:
v: the person appointed as a member of the Discipline Committee under section 160(2)(i)
vi: counsel appointed to assist a court of inquiry under section 200B(3) .
4: Section 205(1) paragraph (c)
ca: determining the nature and content of the punishments of reduction of rank, forfeiture of seniority, and stay of seniority: .
75: Chief of Defence Force orders
1: The heading to section 206 Chief of
2: Section 206(1)(a)
a: determining the nature and content of the punishments of stay of seniority, confinement to ship or barracks, extra work and drill, stoppage of leave, and extra duty:
ab: limiting the types of offences that a disciplinary officer may try summarily, or otherwise deal with, under Part 5
ac: limiting the amount that a disciplinary officer may, under section 117ZA
ad: restricting, by fixing the limitations as to rank as the Chief of Defence Force considers necessary, the exercise of powers under Part 5
ae: providing for the designation of classes of certificates of competency that may be issued to members of the Armed Forces who are to be appointed disciplinary officers, presenting officers, or defending officers:
af: providing for the issue, revocation, suspension, expiry, and renewal of those certificates of competency:
ag: providing for the minimum standards for the issue of those certificates of competency (including standards relating to required competence, qualifications, and experience) that must be met for each class of certificate:
ah: providing for the terms and conditions subject to which certificates of competency are issued: .
3: Section 206(1)(b)
a: by omitting by court-martial by the Court Martial
b: by omitting court Court
c: by omitting in court-martial in the Court's
4: Section 206(1)(c) officials of courts-martial officers of the Court Martial
5: Section 206(1)(e)
e: providing for legal aid to be granted at public expense in respect of—
i: proceedings in the Court Martial (whether in New Zealand or elsewhere):
ii: appeals to the Summary Appeal Court or the Court Martial Appeal Court (whether in New Zealand or elsewhere):
ea: prescribing the conditions subject to which any legal aid referred to in paragraph (e)
eb: providing for legal aid to be granted at public expense to any unrepresented person who (whether in New Zealand or elsewhere)—
i: is being questioned by the service authorities, or is wanted by the service authorities for questioning, in relation to the commission or possible commission of an offence by that person and is advised by the service authorities, before or in the course of questioning, that he or she may consult a lawyer; or
ii: is under close arrest:
ec: prescribing the conditions subject to which any legal aid referred to in paragraph (eb) .
76: Schedule 2 amended
1: The Schedule 2 court-martial Court Martial
2: Clause 1 of Schedule 2 court-martial the Court Martial
77: Schedule 3 amended
1: The Schedule 3 Sections 102, 104, and 105 s 117V
2: Clause 1 of Schedule 3
a: omitting an officer exercising summary powers a disciplinary officer
b: repealing paragraph (i)
78: New Schedules 4 and 5 substituted
Schedules 4 and 5 Schedule 1
79: Schedule 6 repealed
Schedule 6
80: Revocation
The Armed Forces Discipline (Exemptions and Modifications) Order 1983 (SR 1983/234) OIC SR 2008/232 2009-07-01 Armed Forces Discipline (Exemptions and Modifications) Order 1983
81: Amendments to other enactments
The enactments specified in Schedule 2 OIC SR 2008/232 2009-07-01 Crimes Act 1961 Criminal Records (Clean Slate) Act 2004 Electronic Transactions Act 2002 Judicial Conduct Commissioner and Judicial Conduct Panel Act 2004 Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act 1992 Prisoners' and Victims' Claims Act 2005 Remuneration Authority Act 1977 Transport Accident Investigation Commission Act 1990 Visiting Forces Act 2004 Armed Forces Discipline Regulations 1990 Transitional provisions
82: Continuation of proceedings under Part 5
1: All investigations and proceedings under Part 5 of the principal Act
2: However, if, in the course of proceedings continued under subsection (1)
a: the charge must be referred to the Director of Military Prosecutions; and
b: the accused may be remanded for trial in the Court Martial (as established by the Court Martial Act 2007
c: the charge must then be dealt with in accordance with the principal Act (as amended by this Act) and the Court Martial Act 2007
d: sections 117ZF to 117ZI of the principal Act (as substituted by this Act) apply with all necessary modifications for the purpose of giving effect to paragraphs (a) to (c)
3: If a person subject to the principal Act is found guilty of an offence against the principal Act by an officer exercising summary powers in proceedings continued under subsection (1) section 117 of the principal Act
4: Every officer exercising summary powers and every reviewing authority continues to have and may exercise all his, her, or its powers, functions, and duties under the principal Act (as in force immediately before the commencement of this section) for the purpose of giving effect to subsections (1) (3)
5: In this section, officer exercising summary powers and reviewing authority
83: Charges in relation to conduct before commencement of this section
1: Conduct that is alleged to have occurred before the commencement of this section may be dealt with under the principal Act, as amended by this Act, if the disciplinary officer concerned is satisfied that an investigation and proceeding under Part 5 of the principal Act
2: This section does not limit section 82