A General Courts-Martial is a military court that handles serious offenses under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). It is composed of a panel of officers, and in some cases, enlisted members, who hear evidence and determine guilt or innocence. This court can impose severe penalties, including confinement, dishonorable discharge, or even the death penalty for the most serious crimes. General Courts-Martial are convened by a commanding officer and follow specific procedures to ensure fairness. The accused has the right to legal representation, and the proceedings are typically more formal than those of other military courts, such as Summary or Special Courts-Martial.