Us Code § 8461 - Midshipmen: dismissal for best interests of the service

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 8461 — Midshipmen: dismissal for best interests of the service, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 8461. Midshipmen: dismissal for best interests of the service

(a) Whenever the Superintendent of the Naval Academy believes that the continued presence of any midshipman at the Academy is contrary to the best interest of the service, he shall report in writing to the Secretary of the Navy a full statement of the facts upon which his belief is based. If the Secretary determines from the report that the Superintendent's belief is well founded, the Secretary shall serve a copy of the report on the midshipman. Within such time as the Secretary considers reasonable, the midshipman shall show cause in writing why he should not be dismissed from the Academy. The Secretary, after consideration of any cause so shown, and with the written approval of the President, may dismiss the midshipman from the Academy and from the naval service.

(b) The truth of any issue of fact raised under subsection (a), except as to the record of demerits, shall be determined by a court of inquiry convened by the Secretary.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 432, §6961; renumbered §8461, Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title VIII, §807(c)(1), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1836.)

Historical and Revision Notes
Revised sectionSource (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)
6961 34 U.S.C. 1062. Apr. 9, 1906, ch. 1370, §1, 34 Stat. 104.

The words "court of inquiry" are substituted for the words "board of inquiry" to conform to the terminology of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The words "under the rules and regulations for the government of the Navy" are omitted as unnecessary.


Editorial Notes

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–232 renumbered section 6961 of this title as this section.


Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2018 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 115–232 effective Feb. 1, 2019, with provision for the coordination of amendments and special rule for certain redesignations, see section 800 of Pub. L. 115–232, set out as a note preceding section 3001 of this title.


Executive Documents

Delegation of Functions

For delegation to Secretary of Defense of authority vested in President by section 1062 of former Title 34, see Ex. Ord. No. 10621, July 1, 1955, 20 F.R. 4759, set out as a note under section 301 of Title 3, The President.

About This Section

10 U.S.C. § 8461 is part of Title 10 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

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Sources

Source: official Us Code text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 8461

What does United States Code § 8461 cover?

Section 8461 ("Midshipmen: dismissal for best interests of the service") is part of the United States Code, the codified statutory law of Us Code. 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 Us Code § 8461?

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Is this the official text of Us Code law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Us Code official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Us Code attorney.

How does Us Code § 8461 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Us Code can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

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