Can a civilian ever face a court-martial?

Typically, no. Courts-martial usually only have jurisdiction over military personnel. However, in some historical and specific legal circumstances (e.g., accompanying forces in a theatre of war, under certain status of forces agreements), civilians may be subject to military law.

What's the difference between a general and a summary court-martial?

A general court-martial is for the most serious offences, presided over by a military judge and panel, and can impose severe penalties including death (where applicable). A summary court-martial is for minor offences, has a simplified procedure, and imposes limited punishments.

Is 'court-martialled' or 'court-martialed' correct?

Both are correct. 'Court-martialled' (double 'l') is standard in British English. 'Court-martialed' (single 'l') is standard in American English.

Can 'court-martial' be used as a verb?

Yes, it's a standard verb meaning 'to try by a court-martial' (e.g., 'They will court-martial him').

Is “court-martial” formal?

Court-martial is usually formal, technical, legal-military in register.

How do you pronounce “court-martial”?

Court-martial: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkɔːt ˈmɑː.ʃəl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkɔːrt ˈmɑːr.ʃəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

court-martial: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

C1-C2

UK/ˌkɔːt ˈmɑː.ʃəl/US/ˌkɔːrt ˈmɑːr.ʃəl/

Formal, Technical, Legal-Military

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “court-martial” mean?

A military court for trying members of the armed forces accused of breaking military law.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A military court for trying members of the armed forces accused of breaking military law.

The legal process of trying a person in such a court; to subject someone to this process.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant difference in meaning or usage between major military powers (UK/US). The plural as a noun is typically 'courts-martial' in formal legal writing, though 'court-martials' is increasingly common, especially for the verb. The verb is inflected regularly (court-martialled, court-martialling / court-martialed, court-martialing).

Connotations

Conveys strict military discipline, hierarchy, and a justice system separate from civilian courts.

Frequency

Used almost exclusively within military, legal, and journalistic contexts reporting on military affairs.

Grammar

How to Use “court-martial” in a Sentence

SUBJ (authority) + court-martial + OBJ (soldier)OBJ (soldier) + be + court-martialled + for + CRIME

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

convene a court-martialface a court-martialstand before a court-martialbe subject to court-martialgeneral/summary/special court-martial

medium

court-martial proceedingscourt-martial verdictcourt-martial panelorder a court-martialcharges warranting a court-martial

weak

threat of court-martialrisk of court-martialavoid a court-martial

Examples

Examples of “court-martial” in a Sentence

verb

British English

The commander decided to court-martial the sergeant for dereliction of duty.
If you strike an officer, you will be court-martialled.

American English

The general ordered him court-martialed for disobeying a direct order.
They are court-martialing the pilot for violating engagement rules.

adverb

British English

The case was dealt with court-martial swiftly. (Rare/awkward usage)

American English

(Adverbial use is highly atypical and generally avoided; use 'by court-martial' instead.)

adjective

British English

He was assigned a court-martial defence advocate.
The court-martial process is governed by the Armed Forces Act.

American English

She studied the court-martial procedures in the UCMJ.
He had a court-martial attorney representing him.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Extremely rare, unless in a defense contractor context discussing personnel legal issues.

Academic

Found in legal studies, military history, political science, and ethics papers.

Everyday

Very rare outside news reports about military misconduct.

Technical

Core term in military law (Uniform Code of Military Justice, Armed Forces Act).

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “court-martial”

Strong

disciplinary hearing (military)

Neutral

military tribunalmilitary court

Weak

military trialservice tribunal

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “court-martial”

civilian trialcivil court acquittaldischarge without prejudice

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “court-martial”

Incorrect plural: 'court-martials' (for the noun in formal writing) / Correct but formal: 'courts-martial'. Incorrect hyphenation: 'court martial' (as noun/adj) or 'courtmartial'. Using it for non-military contexts.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: Typically, no. Courts-martial usually only have jurisdiction over military personnel. However, in some historical and specific legal circumstances (e.g., accompanying forces in a theatre of war, under certain status of forces agreements), civilians may be subject to military law.
: A general court-martial is for the most serious offences, presided over by a military judge and panel, and can impose severe penalties including death (where applicable). A summary court-martial is for minor offences, has a simplified procedure, and imposes limited punishments.
: Both are correct. 'Court-martialled' (double 'l') is standard in British English. 'Court-martialed' (single 'l') is standard in American English.
: Yes, it's a standard verb meaning 'to try by a court-martial' (e.g., 'They will court-martial him').
: A military court for trying members of the armed forces accused of breaking military law.
: Court-martial is usually formal, technical, legal-military in register.
: Court-martial: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkɔːt ˈmɑː.ʃəl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkɔːrt ˈmɑːr.ʃəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“to be read the court-martial manual (figurative: to be severely reprimanded)”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think of a MARTIAL (warlike) COURT. It's the court for martial (military) matters.

Conceptual Metaphor

JUSTICE IS A MILITARY HIERARCHY (implying rigid procedure, command authority, and distinct rules).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

The private was for desertion and sentenced to five years.

Multiple Choice

What is the standard plural form of 'court-martial' as a noun in formal legal writing?