Courts-martial have sole jurisdiction over wholly military offenses. In the case of an offense that violates the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) and the criminal law of a State, other Federal law, (or all three) it must be determined which jurisdiction will move forward with the prosecution.
A special court-martial is often characterized as a misdemeanor court, and may try all persons subject to the UCMJ, including enlisted members, officers and midshipmen.
Trial by summary court-martial provides a simplified procedure for the resolution of charges involving minor incidents of misconduct. The summary court-martial consists of one officer who is not required to be an attorney or judge.