U.S. Department of Defense

DoD ISSUES MILITARY COMMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

May 2, 2003

The General Counsel of the Department of Defense today issued eight military commission instructions that would facilitate the conduct of possible future military commissions. "The issuing of these instructions is another step DOD has taken towards being prepared to conduct full and fair military commissions," said Deputy General Counsel Whit Cobb.

The instructions issued today include crimes and elements of offenses as well as other administrative guidance and procedures for Military Commission participants to facilitate the conduct of full and fair trials. Issued instructions include:

• Guidance on Military Commission Instructions themselves
• Crimes and Elements for Trials by Military Commission
• Responsibilities of the Chief Prosecutor, Prosecutors, and Assistant Prosecutors
• Responsibilities of the Chief Defense Counsel, Detailed Defense Counsel, and Civilian Defense Counsel
• Qualification of Civilian Defense Counsel
• Reporting Relationships for Military Commission Personnel
• Sentencing
• Administrative Procedures

See also briefing transcript: http://www.defenselink.mil/transcripts/2003/tr20030502-0144.html