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PUNITIVE ARTICLES

Under the Uniform Code of Military Justice

Article 134 – General article

Misprision Of Serious Offense

Source: Internal (UCMJ) or external at constitution.org

The UCMJ is the derived source of this information.  The information below is for illustration and educational purposes only and may not reflect the most recent changes.  Please refer to your Legal Office or Area Defense Counsel for legal advice.

Text.

See Paragraph 60 (Article 134 - General Article).

Elements.

(1) That a certain serious offense was committed by a certain person;

(2) That the accused knew that the said person had committed the serious offense;

(3) That, thereafter, the accused concealed the serious offense and failed to make it known to civilian or military authorities as soon as possible;

(4) That the concealing was wrongful; and

(5) That, under the circumstances, the conduct of the accused was to the prejudice of good order and discipline in the armed forces or was of a nature to bring discredit upon the armed forces.

Explanation.

(1) In general. Misprision of a serious offense is the offense of concealing a serious offense committed by another but without such previous concert with or subsequent assistance to the principal as would make the accused an accessory. See paragraph 3. An intent to benefit the principal is not necessary to this offense.

(2) Serious offense. For purposes of this paragraph, a “serious offense” is any offense punishable under the authority of the code by death or by confinement for a term exceeding 1 year.

(3) Positive act of concealment. A mere failure or refusal to disclose the serious offense without some positive act of concealment does not make one guilty of this offense. Making a false entry in an account book for the purpose of concealing a theft committed by another is an example of a positive act of concealment.

Lesser included offenses. Article 80—attempts

Maximum punishment. Dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and confinement for 3 years.







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Revised: 10/21/09.