South Carolina § 25-1-2530 - Types of courts-martial.
Full text of South Carolina South Carolina Code of Laws § 25-1-2530 — Types of courts-martial., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 25-1-2530. Types of courts-martial.
There may be three types of courts-martial in the state military forces:
1. general court-martial, consisting of:
(a) a military judge and not less than five members; or
(b) only a military judge if, before the court is assembled, the accused, knowing the identity of the military judge, and after consultation with defense counsel, requests in writing a court composed only of a military judge, and the military judge approves;
2. special court-martial, consisting of:
(a) a military judge and not less than three members; or
(b) only a military judge, if one has been detailed to the court, and the accused under the same conditions as prescribed in item (b) of subsection 1 of this section so requests; and
3. summary court-martial, consisting of one officer, the state military judge, a judge advocate detailed to the court as the hearing officer, or a panel of three officers.
HISTORY: Former SECTION 25-1-2530 [1950 (46) 1881; 1952 Code SECTION 44-164; 1962 Code SECTION 44-164; 1964 (53) 2241] recodified as SECTIONS 25-1-2910, 25-1-2915 and 25-1-3025 by 1984 Act No. 378; New SECTION 25-1-2530 [derived from former SECTION 25-1-2830 (1950 (46) 1881; 1952 Code SECTIONS 44-183 to 44-187; 1962 Code SECTION 44-183; 1964 (53) 2241)] En by 1984 Act No. 378, SECTION 15; 2001 Act No. 85, SECTION 30; 2024 Act No. 145 (H.4642), SECTION 6, eff May 13, 2024.
Effect of Amendment
2024 Act No. 145, SECTION 6, in 2., deleted former (a) and redesignated (b) and (c) as (a) and (b); and in 3., inserted ", the state military judge, a judge advocate detailed to the court as the hearing officer, or a panel of three officers" at the end.
Source: official South Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina § 25-1-2530
What does South Carolina Code of Laws § 25-1-2530 cover?
Section 25-1-2530 ("Types of courts-martial.") is part of the South Carolina Code of Laws, the codified statutory law of South Carolina. 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 South Carolina § 25-1-2530?
A common citation format is "South Carolina Code of Laws § 25-1-2530" (South Carolina). 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 South Carolina law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the South Carolina official source linked on this page or consult a licensed South Carolina attorney.
How does South Carolina § 25-1-2530 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in South Carolina 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 South Carolina.