A special court-martial is a type of military court that handles less serious offenses compared to a general court-martial. It is designed to provide a fair trial for service members accused of violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). The proceedings are typically less formal, and the maximum punishment can include confinement for up to one year, reduction in rank, and forfeiture of pay. In a special court-martial, the panel usually consists of three members, or a military judge may preside alone. The accused has the right to be represented by a military attorney or a civilian lawyer. This court-martial is often used for cases involving minor misconduct, allowing for a quicker resolution while still upholding military justice.