What best outlines a general court-martial?

A general court-martial is a formal military court established to try serious offenses under military law, such as felonies, and it carries the authority to impose severe penalties, including confinement and dismissal from service. The correct answer emphasizes that a general court-martial is typically convened by a flag officer who possesses general court-martial authority. This is crucial as flag officers have the necessary rank and authority to lead and oversee proceedings involving serious charges, ensuring that the court is operated within the appropriate structures of military law.

In contrast, other options do not accurately represent the characteristics of a general court-martial. For example, a general court-martial is not composed solely of enlisted members or a single officer; it usually includes a panel of members, which can consist of both officers and enlisted personnel, depending on the specifics of the case and the military branch. Furthermore, a general court-martial does not have jurisdiction limited to non-serious offenses—it is specifically designed to handle the most serious violations. Lastly, the proceedings are not generally managed by a civilian judge; they run within the military judicial system, while being overseen by military personnel trained in legal matters.