Pennsylvania § 5605 - Advice of judge advocate and reference for trial.
Full text of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 5605 — Advice of judge advocate and reference for trial., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 5605. Advice of judge advocate and reference for trial.
(a) General rule.--Before directing the trial of any charge by general court-martial, the convening authority shall refer it to a judge advocate for consideration and advice. The convening authority shall not refer a specification under a charge to a general court-martial for trial unless the convening authority has been advised in writing by a judge advocate of all of the following:
(1) The specification alleges an offense under this part.
(2) The specification is warranted by the evidence indicated in the report of investigation under section 5603 (relating to investigation), if there is such a report.
(3) A court-martial would have jurisdiction over the accused and the offense.
(b) Advice of judge advocate.--The advice of the judge advocate under subsection (a), with respect to a specification under a charge, shall include a written and signed statement by the judge advocate expressing conclusions with respect to each matter set forth in subsection (a) and recommending action that the convening authority take regarding the specification. If the specification is referred for trial, the recommendation of the judge advocate shall accompany the specification.
(c) Changes in charges and specifications.--If the charges or specifications are not correct formally or do not conform to the substance of the evidence contained in the report of the investigating officer, formal corrections and such changes in the charges and specifications as are needed to make them conform to the evidence may be made by the appointing authority.
Source: official Pennsylvania text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania § 5605
What does Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 5605 cover?
Section 5605 ("Advice of judge advocate and reference for trial.") is part of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, the codified statutory law of Pennsylvania. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Pennsylvania § 5605?
A common citation format is "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 5605" (Pennsylvania). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Pennsylvania law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Pennsylvania official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Pennsylvania attorney.
How does Pennsylvania § 5605 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania.