Key Actors in Military Justice

Judge Advocate General   The Office of Judge Advocate General oversees the administration of military justice. It offers a variety of legal services to the Governor General, the Minister of National Defense and the military members.

Director of Military Prosecutions   is the head of the Canadian Military Prosecution Service, which is responsible for reviewing cases referred to courts of competent jurisdiction, deciding which cases should proceed, and to prosecute cases.

Director of Defence Counsel Services   provide a variety of legal services prescribed at Queen's Regulations and Orders article 101.20(2) to admissible persons subject to the Code of Service Discipline charged or liable to be charged under that Code.

Office of the Chief Military Judge   is an independent judicial organization that conducts its activities at arm’s length from the Government of Canada. Military judges are appointed by the Governor in Council. They preside over courts martial and any other judicial hearing when required.

Court Martial Appeal Court of Canada hears appeals from decisions of Courts Martial which are military courts established under the National Defence Act.

Supreme Court of Canada   hears appeals from decisions of the Court Martial Appeal Court of Canada on a question of law. In the case of a unanimous decision, the appeal is on leave. It is as of right when a judge of the Court Martial Appeal Court of Canada dissents on a question of law.