A court martial is a military court that is convened to try members of the armed forces for offenses against military law. It operates under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) in the United States and can handle serious crimes such as desertion, insubordination, and conduct unbecoming of a service member. The proceedings are similar to civilian trials but are specifically tailored to military regulations. There are different types of court martials, including summary, special, and general courts martial, each varying in terms of the severity of the offenses they address and the potential penalties. The process typically involves a panel of military officers or a military judge, and the accused has the right to legal representation, often provided by a military attorney.