Court Martial

Court Martial, Naval, a court composed of admirals, captains, and commanders for the trial of offences against the Articles of War, as prescribed by various Acts beginning with one of the 22nd of George II. Such courts are held in the forenoon and are public; and post-captains of all ships present in company have a right to assist. The sentence, unless it be a capital one, requires no confirmation, but the Lords of the Admiralty can suspend, modify, or annul it. Naval courts-martial are of great antiquity, and the record of one held by Sir Francis Drake is preserved.