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HomeMilitary and Veterans CodeDiv. 2Pt. 1Ch. 9§ 455 Military Courts Of Inquiry

§ 455 Military Courts Of Inquiry

Military and Veterans Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 455 Military Courts Of Inquiry

This law lets the Governor create a small court to investigate complaints about a service member's conduct, but only if the member asks for it or the investigation concerns them.

Key Takeaways

  • •The court must have at least three members, who can be officers, enlisted personnel, or a mix.
  • •The court follows the same procedures as similar boards in the Army, Air Force, and Navy.
  • •The court must report its findings and any opinion back to the officer who ordered the inquiry.

Example

A soldier is accused of mishandling equipment, and the Governor wants to look into it.

The Governor can order a court of inquiry, but only after the soldier or the person being investigated asks for the inquiry to happen.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 455 Military Courts Of Inquiry

Courts of inquiry shall consist of at least three members and may be ordered by the Governor to examine into the nature of any transaction of or accusation or imputation against any officer or enlisted person. The courts shall not be ordered except upon the request of the officer concerned or whose conduct is to be inquired into or upon the request of the enlisted person concerned. The members of the court may be officers or qualified enlisted persons, and the court may include both officers and qualified enlisted persons. The practice and procedure of the court of inquiry shall be in accordance with the Articles of War and like tribunals appointed for similar purposes in the United States Army, United States Air Force, and United States Navy. The court shall, without delay, report to the officer ordering it, the evidence adduced, a statement of the facts, and, when required, an opinion thereon. Boards for conducting investigations and investigating officers may be appointed in accordance with the rules and regulations adopted for the appointment of similar boards and officers in the United States Army, United States Air Force, and United States Navy. (Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 118, Sec. 39. (SB 1501) Effective January 1, 2019.)

Last verified: January 11, 2026

Key Terms

courts of inquiryGovernorArticles of WarUnited States ArmyUnited States Air ForceUnited States Navy

Related Statutes

  • § 148 Military Rules Conformity
  • § 225 National Guard Warrant Officers
  • § 168 Military Officer Duties
  • § 220 Military Officer Appointments
  • § 422 Military Uniform Restrictions

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Military and Veterans Code. Section 455.
View Official Source