Question

What types of cases does the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces hear? What is so special about those that hear the case? Why is this sometimes called the court of last resort of military law?

Answer 1

The Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces reviews courts-martial from the Services' Courts of Criminal Appeals and is the court of last resort in military law, with any further appeal going to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces (CAAF) hears appeals from the Courts of Criminal Appeals (CCA) of the Army, Navy-Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard. These are appellate courts that review courts-martial, ensuring military justice is properly administered. Specifically, CAAF deals with cases involving substantial questions of law and provides oversight to the military justice system. Members of the court, who are civilians, are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, signifying the importance and specialized nature of the court.

The CAAF is sometimes referred to as the court of last resort of military law because it is the final appellate stage within the military justice system. Only the U.S. Supreme Court can review its decisions, although such review is rare. The CAAF's judgements on matters of military law are final unless the Supreme Court decides to grant certiorari, which requires a constitutional question or significant legal confusion necessitating clarification.