Massachusetts General Laws ch. 33A sec. 24 – Who may convene summary courts-martial
Article 24. Who may convene summary courts-martial.
(a) Summary courts-martial may be convened by:
(1) a person who may convene a general or special court-martial;
(2) the commanding officer of a detached company or other detachment, or corresponding unit of the army;
(3) the commanding officer of a detached squadron or other detachment, or corresponding unit of the air force; or
(4) the commanding officer or officer in charge of any other command when empowered by the adjutant general.
(b) When only 1 commissioned officer is present with a command or detachment, that officer shall be the summary court-martial of that command or detachment and shall hear and determine all summary court-martial cases. Summary courts-martial may, however, be convened in any case by superior competent authority if considered desirable by that authority.