# The Courts-Martial (Army) Rules 2007, Rule 53: Conduct of the defence


(1) An accused who has been notified that he is to be tried by court-martial shall be afforded a proper opportunity for preparing his defence.
(2) A defending officer shall be appointed by the commanding officer of the accused to assist the accused to prepare and conduct his defence, unless the accused states in writing that he does not wish such an appointment to be made.
(3) The accused may appoint a legal representative to act for him and any right or responsibility which accrues to the accused by virtue of these Rules (except pleading to a charge) may be exercised by the accused’s legal representative on his behalf.
(4) The accused shall inform the court administration officer of the name and address of his legal representative as soon as is practicable after a legal representative has been appointed.

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Source: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2007/3442/rule/53 (the official version)
Page: https://openlegislation.uk/courts-martial-army-rules-2007/rule-53
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: legislation.gov.uk, The National Archives.