Crime ยท military law
Military law barristers, instructed directly.
For service personnel, a barrister can advise on military law and represent you at court martial and in service complaints.
At a glance
Court martial
Defending allegations at court martial.
Service complaints
Advice on the service complaints process.
Service impact
Advice on the effect on your career and record.
Military law applies to members of the armed forces and covers the service justice system, including the court martial, summary hearings, and the service complaints process. A barrister can advise service personnel on disciplinary and criminal allegations under service law and represent them.
A barrister will assess the case and the available defences, the realistic outcome and the effect on your service, and represent you at the relevant hearing. Through Direct Access you can instruct a barrister directly for advice and many hearings, without going through a solicitor first.
Barristers are regulated by the Bar Standards Board.
Through Direct Access you can instruct a military law barrister directly, without going through a solicitor first. Barristers are regulated by the Bar Standards Board (BSB).
When to bring in a barrister
You face a court martial or summary hearing
You wish to bring or respond to a service complaint
You are under investigation under service law
Frequently asked questions
Can a barrister represent me at court martial directly?
For advice and many hearings, yes, through Direct Access. Some cases also need a litigator, and the barrister will tell you if so.
Is military law different from civilian law?
It overlaps with criminal law but has its own service offences, courts and procedures. A barrister experienced in service law can advise you.
What does it cost?
Barristers often agree a fixed fee for advice or a hearing. There is no charge to enquire.
Related areas of law
Speak to a military law barrister
Tell us about your matter. There is no charge to enquire.