A court-martial is a military court that conducts trials for members of the armed forces accused of violating military law. These courts handle serious offenses, such as desertion or insubordination, and ensure that service members are held accountable for their actions while maintaining discipline within the military. There are different types of courts-martial, including summary, special, and general courts-martial, each varying in severity and procedures. The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) governs these proceedings, providing a legal framework for the prosecution and defense of service members, ensuring fair treatment under military law.