10 U.S.C. 821.
This part provides guidance with respect to crimes that may be tried by military commissions established pursuant to 32 CFR part 9, and Military Order of November 13, 2001, “Detention, Treatment, and Trial of Certain Non-Citizens in the War Against Terrorism,” (3 CFR, 2001 comp., p. 918, 66 FR 57833) and enumerates the elements of those crimes.
This part is issued pursuant to 32 CFR 9.7(a) and in accordance with Military Order of November 13, 2001, “Detention, Treatment, and Trial of Certain Non-Citizens in the War Against Terrorism,” (66 FR 57833) and 10 U.S.C. 113(d), 140(b), and 821. The provisions of 32 CFR part 10 are applicable to this part.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(a)
(1)
(B) The accused intended to kill such person or persons;
(C) Such person or persons were protected under the law of war;
(D) The accused knew or should have known of the factual circumstances that established that protected status; and
(E) The killing took place in the context of and was associated with armed conflict.
(ii)
(2)
(B) The object of the attack was a civilian population as such or individual civilians not taking direct or active part in hostilities;
(C) The accused intended the civilian population as such or individual civilians not taking direct or active part in hostilities to be an object of the attack; and
(D) The attack took place in the context of and was associated with armed conflict.
(ii)
(3)
(B) The object of the attack was civilian property, that is, property that was not a military objective;
(C) The accused intended such property to be an object of the attack;
(D) The accused knew or should have known that such property was not a military objective; and
(E) The attack took place in the context of and was associated with armed conflict.
(ii)
(4)
(B) The object of the attack was protected property;
(C) The accused intended such property to be an object of the attack;
(D) The accused knew or should have known of the factual circumstances that established that protected status; and
(E) The attack took place in the context of and was associated with armed conflict.
(ii)
(5)
(B) The accused intended to appropriate or seize such property for private or personal use;
(C) The appropriation or seizure was without the consent of the owner of the property or other person with authority to permit such appropriation or seizure; and
(D) The appropriation or seizure took place in the context of and was associated with armed conflict.
(ii)
(6)
(B) The accused thereby intended to threaten an adversary or to conduct hostilities such that there would be no survivors or surrender accepted;
(C) It was foreseeable that circumstances would be such that a practicable and reasonable ability to accept surrender would exist;
(D) The accused was in a position of effective command or control over the subordinate forces to which the declaration or order was directed; and
(E) The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with armed conflict.
(ii)
(7)
(B) The accused threatened to kill, injure, or continue to detain such person or persons;
(C) The accused intended to compel a State, an international organization, a natural or legal person, or a group of persons to act or refrain from acting as an explicit or implicit condition for the safety or release of such person or persons; and
(D) The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with armed conflict.
(ii)
(8)
(B) The substance was such that exposure thereto causes death or serious damage to health in the ordinary course of events, through its asphyxiating, poisonous, or bacteriological properties;
(C) The accused employed the substance or weapon with the intent of utilizing such asphyxiating, poisonous, or bacteriological properties as a method of warfare;
(D) The accused knew or should have known of the nature of the substance or weapon; and
(E) The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with armed conflict.
(ii)
(B) The clause “serious damage to health” does not include temporary incapacitation or sensory irritation.
(C) The use of the “substance or weapon” at issue must be proscribed under the law of armed conflict. It may include chemical or biological agents.
(D) The specific intent element for this offense precludes liability for mere knowledge of potential collateral consequences (
(9)
(B) The accused intended to use the civilian or protected nature of the person or persons to shield a military objective from attack or to shield, favor, or impede military operations; and
(C) The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with armed conflict.
(ii) [Reserved]
(10)
(B) The accused intended to shield a military objective from attack or to shield, favor, or impede military operations; and
(C) The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with armed conflict.
(ii) [Reserved]
(11)
(B) The accused intended to inflict such severe physical or mental pain or suffering;
(C) Such person or persons were in the custody or under the control of the accused; and
(D) The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with armed conflict.
(ii)
(B) Severe “mental pain or suffering” is the prolonged mental harm caused by or resulting from:
(
(
(
(
(C) “Prolonged mental harm” is a harm of some sustained duration, though not necessarily permanent in nature, such as a clinically identifiable mental disorder.
(D) Paragraph (a)(11)(i)(C) of this section does not require a particular formal relationship between the accused and the victim. Rather, it precludes prosecution for pain or suffering consequent to a lawful military attack.
(12)
(B) The accused intended to inflict such serious injury;
(C) Such person or persons were in the custody or under the control of the accused; and
(D) The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with armed conflict.
(ii)
(13)
(B) The accused intended to subject such person or persons to such mutilation;
(C) The conduct caused death or seriously damaged or endangered the physical or mental health or appearance of such person or persons.
(D) The conduct was neither justified by the medical treatment of the person or persons concerned nor carried out in the interest of such person or persons;
(E) Such person or persons were in the custody or control of the accused; and
(F) The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with armed conflict.
(ii) [Reserved]
(14)
(B) The accused intended to betray that confidence or belief;
(C) The accused killed, injured, or captured one or more persons;
(D) The accused made use of that confidence or belief in killing, injuring, or capturing such person or persons; and
(E) The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with armed conflict.
(ii) [Reserved]
(15)
(B) The accused made such use in order to feign an intention to negotiate, surrender, or otherwise to suspend hostilities when there was no such intention on the part of the accused; and
(C) The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with armed conflict.
(ii) [Reserved]
(16)
(B) The accused undertook such use for combatant purposes in a manner prohibited by the law of armed conflict;
(C) The accused knew or should have known of the prohibited nature of such use; and
(D) The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with armed conflict.
(ii)
(17)
(B) The accused intended to degrade or otherwise violate the dignity of such body;
(C) The severity of the degradation or other violation was of such degree as to be generally recognized as an outrage upon personal dignity; and
(D) The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with armed conflict.
(ii)
(18)
(B) The invasion was committed by force, threat of force or coercion, or was committed against a person incapable of giving consent; and
(C) The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with armed conflict.
(ii)
(B) It is understood that a person may be incapable of giving consent if affected by natural, induced, or age-related incapacity.
(C) The concept of “invasion” is linked to the inherent wrongfulness requirement for all offenses. In this case, for example, a legitimate body cavity search could not give rise to this offense.
(D) The concept of “invasion” is gender neutral.
(b)
(1)
(B) The accused intended to so seize, exercise control over, or endanger such vessel or aircraft; and
(C) The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with armed conflict.
(ii)
(2)
(B) The accused:
(
(
(C) The killing, harm or destruction was intended to intimidate or coerce a civilian population, or to influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion; and
(D) The killing, harm or destruction took place in the context of and was associated with armed conflict.
(ii)
(B) The requirement that the conduct be wrongful for this crime necessitates that the conduct establishing this offense not constitute an attack against a lawful military objective undertaken by military forces of a State in the exercise of their official duties.
(3)
(B) The accused:
(
(
(C) The accused did not enjoy combatant immunity; and
(D) The killing took place in the context of and was associated with armed conflict.
(ii)
(B) Unlike the crimes of willful killing or attacking civilians, in which the victim's status is a prerequisite to criminality, for this offense the victim's status is immaterial. Even an attack on a soldier would be a crime if the attacker did not enjoy “belligerent privilege” or “combatant immunity.”
(4)
(B) The property belonged to another person, and the destruction was without that person's consent;
(C) The accused intended to destroy such property;
(D) The accused did not enjoy combatant immunity; and
(E) The destruction took place in the context of and was associated with armed conflict.
(ii) [Reserved]
(5)
(B) The accused intended to aid the enemy; and
(C) The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with armed conflict.
(ii)
(B) The requirement that conduct be wrongful for this crime necessitates that the accused act without proper authority. For example, furnishing enemy combatants detained during hostilities with subsistence or quarters in accordance with applicable orders or policy is not aiding the enemy.
(C) The requirement that conduct be wrongful for this crime may necessitate that, in the case of a lawful belligerent, the accused owe allegiance or some duty to the United States of America or to an ally or coalition partner. For example, citizenship, resident alien status, or a contractual relationship in or with the United States or an ally or coalition partner is sufficient to satisfy this requirement so long as the relationship existed at a time relevant to the offense alleged.
(6)
(B) The accused intended to convey such information to the enemy;
(C) The accused, in collecting or attempting to collect the information, was lurking or acting clandestinely, while acting under false pretenses; and
(D) The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with armed conflict.
(ii)
(B) Related to the requirement that conduct be wrongful or without justification or excuse in this case is the fact that, consistent with the law of war, a lawful combatant who, after rejoining the armed force to which that combatant belongs, is subsequently captured, can not be punished for previous acts of espionage. His successful rejoining of his armed force constitutes a defense.
(7)
(A) The accused testified at a military commission, in proceedings ancillary to a military commission, or provided information in a writing executed under an oath to tell the truth or a declaration acknowledging the applicability of penalties of perjury in connection with such proceedings;
(B) Such testimony or information was material;
(C) Such testimony or information was false; and
(D) The accused knew such testimony or information to be false.
(ii) [Reserved]
(8)
(B) The accused intended to influence, impede, or otherwise obstruct the due administration of justice; and
(C) The accused did such act in the case of a certain person against whom the accused had reason to believe:
(
(
(ii) [Reserved]
(c)
(1)
(B) Such other person or entity committed or attempted to commit the substantive offense; and
(C) The accused intended to or knew that the act would aid or abet such other person or entity in the commission of the substantive offense or an associated criminal purpose or enterprise.
(ii)
(B) In some circumstances, inaction may render one liable as an aider or abettor. If a person has a legal duty to prevent or thwart the commission of a substantive offense, but does not do so, that person may be considered to have aided or abetted the commission of the offense if such noninterference is intended to and does operate as an aid or encouragement to the actual perpetrator.
(C) An accused charged with aiding or abetting should be charged with the related substantive offense as a principal.
(2)
(B) The accused intended that the offense actually be committed.
(ii)
(B) Solicitation may be by means other than speech or writing. Any act or conduct that reasonably may be construed as a serious request, order, inducement, advice, or offer of assistance to commit any offense triable by military commission may constitute solicitation. It is not necessary that the accused act alone in the solicitation, order, inducement, advising, or assistance. The accused may act through other persons in committing this offense.
(C) An accused charged with solicitation of a completed substantive offense should be charged for the substantive offense as a principal. An accused charged with solicitation of an uncompleted offense should be charged for the separate offense of solicitation. Solicitation is not a lesser-included offense of the related substantive offense.
(3)
(B) One or more of the accused's subordinates committed, attempted to commit, conspired to commit, solicited to commit, or aided or abetted the commission of one or more substantive offenses triable by military commission;
(C) The accused either knew or should have known that the subordinate or subordinates were committing, attempting to commit, conspiring to commit, soliciting, or aiding or abetting such offense or offenses; and
(D) The accused failed to take all necessary and reasonable measures within his power to prevent or repress the commission of the offense or offenses.
(ii)
(A) The phrase “effective authority and control” in paragraph (c)(3)(i)(A) of this section includes the concept of relative authority over the subject matter or activities associated with the perpetrator's conduct. This may be relevant to a civilian superior who should not be held responsible for the behavior of subordinates involved in activities that have no relationship to such superior's sphere of authority. Subject matter authority need not be demonstrated for command responsibility as it applies to a military commander.
(B) A commander or other military or civilian superior, not in command, charged with failing adequately to prevent or repress a substantive offense triable by military commission should be charged for the related substantive offense as a principal.
(4)
(B) One or more of the accused's subordinates had committed, attempted to commit, conspired to commit, solicited to commit, or aided or abetted the commission of one or more substantive offenses triable by military commission;
(C) The accused knew or should have known that the subordinate or subordinates had committed, attempted to commit, conspired to commit, solicited, or aided or abetted such offense or offenses; and
(D) The accused failed to submit the matter to competent authorities for investigation or prosecution as appropriate.
(ii)
(A) The phrase, “effective authority and control” in paragraph (c)(4)(i)(A) of this section includes the concept of relative authority over the subject matter or activities associated with the perpetrator's conduct. This may be relevant to a civilian superior who cannot be held responsible under this offense for the behavior of subordinates involved in activities that have nothing to do with such superior's sphere of authority.
(B) A commander or superior charged with failing to take appropriate punitive or investigative action subsequent to the perpetration of a substantive offense triable by military commission should not be charged for the substantive offense as a principal. Such commander or superior should be charged for the separate offense of failing to submit the matter for investigation and/or prosecution as detailed in these elements. This offense is not a lesser-included offense of the related substantive offense.
(5)
(B) Such person had committed an offense triable by military commission;
(C) The accused knew that such person had committed such offense or believed such person had committed a similar or closely related offense; and
(D) The accused intended to hinder or prevent the apprehension, trial, or punishment of such person.
(ii)
(6)
(B) The accused knew the unlawful purpose of the agreement or the common criminal purpose of the enterprise and joined in it willfully, that is, with the intent to further the unlawful purpose; and
(C) One of the conspirators or enterprise members, during the existence of the agreement or enterprise, knowingly committed an overt act in order to accomplish some objective or purpose of the agreement or enterprise.
(ii)
(B) The agreement or enterprise must, at least in part, involve the commission or intended commission of one or more substantive offenses triable by military commission. A single conspiracy may embrace multiple criminal objectives. The agreement need not include knowledge that any relevant offense is in fact “triable by military commission.”
(C) The overt act must be done by one or more of the conspirators, but not necessarily the accused, and it must be done to effectuate the object of the conspiracy or in furtherance of the common criminal purpose. The accused need not have entered the agreement or criminal enterprise at the time of the overt act.
(D) The overt act need not be in itself criminal, but it must advance the purpose of the conspiracy. It is not essential that any substantive offense be committed.
(E) Each conspirator is liable for all offenses committed pursuant to or in furtherance of the conspiracy by any of the co-conspirators, after such conspirator has joined the conspiracy and while the conspiracy continues and such conspirator remains a party to it.
(F) A party to the conspiracy who withdraws from or abandons the agreement or enterprise before the commission of an overt act by any conspirator is not guilty of conspiracy. An effective withdrawal or abandonment must consist of affirmative conduct that is wholly inconsistent with adherence to the unlawful agreement or common criminal purpose and that shows that the party has severed all connection with the conspiracy. A conspirator who effectively withdraws from or abandons the conspiracy after the performance of an overt act by one of the conspirators remains guilty of conspiracy and of any offenses committed pursuant to the conspiracy up to the time of the withdrawal or abandonment. The withdrawal of a conspirator from the conspiracy does not affect the status of the remaining members.
(G) That the object of the conspiracy was impossible to effect is not a defense to this offense.
(H) Conspiracy to commit an offense is a separate and distinct offense from any offense committed pursuant to or in furtherance of the conspiracy, and
(7)
(B) The accused intended to commit one or more substantive offenses triable by military commission;
(C) The act amounted to more than mere preparation; and
(D) The act apparently tended to effect the commission of the intended offense.
(ii)
(B) Preparation consists of devising or arranging means or measures apparently necessary for the commission of the offense. The act need not be the last act essential to the consummation of the offense. The combination of specific intent to commit an offense, plus the commission of an act apparently tending to further its accomplishment, constitutes the offense of attempt. Failure to complete the offense, whatever the cause, is not a defense.
(C) A person who purposely engages in conduct that would constitute the offense if the attendant circumstances were as that person believed them to be is guilty of an attempt.
(D) It is a defense to an attempt offense that the person voluntarily and completely abandoned the intended offense, solely because of the person's own sense that it was wrong, prior to the completion of the substantive offense. The voluntary abandonment defense is not allowed if the abandonment results, in whole or in part, from other reasons, for example, the person feared detection or apprehension, decided to await a better opportunity for success, was unable to complete the crime, or encountered unanticipated difficulties or unexpected resistance.
(E) Attempt is a lesser-included offense of any substantive offense triable by military commission and need not be charged separately. An accused may be charged with attempt without being charged with the substantive offense.