Article 2 Interpretation

In these General Orders any reference to an Order is, except where the context otherwise requires, a reference to a General Order contained therein and the following expressions have the meanings respectively assigned to them–

• “accused’s friend” has the meaning given by Order 14;

• “the Act” means the Naval Discipline Act 1957;

• “child” means a person under the age of 14 years;

• “circumstantial letter” means letter outlining the prosecution case drafted underOrder 4;

• “civilian counsel” has the meaning given by Order 72;

• “closed court” means proceedings of the court conducted for the time being in the presence only of the president, members of the court, judge advocate and clerk of the court;

• “commanding officer” means the commanding officer of the ship or establishment in which the accused is for the time being serving;

• “convening authority” means an officer authorised to order a court-martial in accordance with the provisions of section 53 of the Act^f1 or, where a court-martial is ordered by the Defence Council, the Defence Council;

• “court” means a court-martial ordered under the Act;

• “member” when used in relation to a court-martial does not include the president;

• “open court” means proceedings of the court conducted in the presence of all parties and any members of the public present;

• “special finding” means when used in relation to–

  1. (a)

     section 67 or 68 of the Act, any finding which a court-martial may make in accordance with that section;

  2. (b)

     a finding in accordance with section 63 of the Act^f2, that the accused is not guilty by reason of insanity;

• “young person” means a person who has attained the age of 14 years and is under the age of 17 years.