Washington Code 38.38.840 – Courts of inquiry
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(1) Courts of inquiry to investigate any matter may be convened by the governor, the adjutant general, or by any other person designated by the governor for that purpose, whether or not the persons involved have requested such an inquiry: PROVIDED, That upon the request of the officer involved such an inquiry shall be instituted as hereinabove set forth.
Terms Used In Washington Code 38.38.840
- Code: means this chapter. See Washington Code 38.38.004
- Convening authority: includes , in addition to the person who convened the court, a commissioned officer commanding for the time being, or a successor in command. See Washington Code 38.38.004
- Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
- Military: refers to any or all of the armed forces. See Washington Code 38.38.004
- Oath: A promise to tell the truth.
- Officer: means commissioned or warrant officer. See Washington Code 38.38.004
- person: may be construed to include the United States, this state, or any state or territory, or any public or private corporation or limited liability company, as well as an individual. See Washington Code 1.16.080
- Reporter: Makes a record of court proceedings and prepares a transcript, and also publishes the court's opinions or decisions (in the courts of appeals).
- Testify: Answer questions in court.
(2) A court of inquiry consists of three or more commissioned officers. For each court of inquiry the convening authority shall also appoint counsel for the court.
(3) Any person subject to this code whose conduct is subject to inquiry shall be designated as a party. Any person subject to this code or employed in the state military department, who has a direct interest in the subject of inquiry has the right to be designated as a party upon request to the court. Any person designated as a party shall be given due notice and has the right to be present, to be represented by counsel, to cross-examine witnesses, and to introduce evidence.
(4) Members of a court of inquiry may be challenged by a party, but only for cause stated to the court.
(5) The members, counsel, the reporter, and interpreters of courts of inquiry shall take an oath or affirmation to faithfully perform their duties.
(6) Witnesses may be summoned to appear and testify and be examined before courts of inquiry, as provided for courts-martial.
(7) Courts of inquiry shall make findings of fact but may not express opinions or make recommendations unless required to do so by the convening authority.
(8) Each court of inquiry shall keep a record of its proceedings, which shall be authenticated by the signatures of the president and counsel for the court and forwarded to the convening authority. If the record cannot be authenticated by the president, it shall be signed by a member in lieu of the president. If the record cannot be authenticated by the counsel for the court, it shall be signed by a member in lieu of the counsel.