What’s #3? What’s next?!
Seriously, this could result in dismissal of all charges against the Marines.
There is an old UCMJ provision (please bear with me, I’m going back 40 years) that requires that Gmvt’s counsel could be no more qualified than Defense counsel.
That was back when Combat Arms officers would serve as defense counsel of accused in Summary Court Martial.
Rule was simple. if Gmvt used a lawyer to present case, defendant had to get a lawyer to. if Gmvt used a line officer, accused did not have to be furnished a “real” lawyer as counsel.
If more than one lawyer is working on Gmvt case in this matter, then is unfair to defendants... in addition to being exceptionally stupid PR.
Grounds for successful appeal.
The lawyers have f___ked with the UCMJ. As you say, once upon a time a line officer could handle a case. Now there is so much “process” and less chance for a fair verdict.