How much autonomy do military lawyers have in handling their cases?
We are bound by the same ethical constraints as our civilian counterparts. An accused is entitled to assigned military counsel. If “detailed” (appointed) as his/her lawyer, it is your case. As a Marine attorney, it then becomes your duty to represent him/her zealously within the bounds of the law. Once a court is convened and charges are referred to it (the equivalent of filing of information or the return of an indictment), the trail counsel (prosecutor) must proceed in accordance with the Rules of Professional Responsibility and the ABA Standards for the Prosecution Function.
