(a) In any case not extending to the dismissal of a commissioned officer, the sworn testimony, contained in the duly authenticated record of proceedings of a court of inquiry, of a person whose oral testimony cannot be obtained, may, if otherwise admissible under the rules of evidence, be read in evidence by any party before a court-martial if the accused was a party before the court of inquiry and if the same issue was involved or if the accused consents to the introduction of such evidence.

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Terms Used In West Virginia Code 15-1E-50

  • Dismissal: The dropping of a case by the judge without further consideration or hearing. Source:
  • 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.
  • officer: means a commissioned or warrant officer. See West Virginia Code 15-1E-1
  • record: when used in connection with the proceedings of a court-martial, means - an official written transcript, written summary, or other writing relating to the proceedings. See West Virginia Code 15-1E-1
  • Testimony: Evidence presented orally by witnesses during trials or before grand juries.

(b) Such testimony may be read in evidence only by the defense in cases extending to the dismissal of a commissioned officer.

(c) Such testimony may also be read in evidence before a court of inquiry.