Some events are designed with a singular focus in mind—for example, weddings. Weddings are designed around the legal or spiritual union of two adults. It would be shocking to show up for a wedding and find yourself discussing the best man or the officiant instead of the happy couple. Courts-martial are also designed with a singular focus in mind - the administration of justice. If a court-martial derails and becomes about the actions and conduct of the attorneys and their superiors, the administration of justice gets very messy very quickly.
I used the appellate court opinions: NMCCA, CAAF, as well as the oral arguments, and briefs (1)(2)(3)(4)(5).
I referenced information from:
Marine Corps Times (1)(2)(3)(4)(5), sofrep.com, Rick Rodriguez's obituary, and information about Reconnaissance Marines.
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Disclaimer: Conduct Unbecoming is a podcast where I get to talk about interesting crimes and cases that involve US military service members. I research, write, and produce the podcast myself… the opinions expressed are my own and, perhaps it’s obvious, Conduct Unbecoming is not approved, endorsed, or authorized by the Department of Defense. I am not a military JAG and have never been a military JAG. While I'm a practicing attorney, I don't do direct criminal defense. This podcast is a passion project, not legal advice or expert opinion.
