Which level of court-martial can impose a sentence of life imprisonment or death?

The level of court-martial that can impose the most severe penalties, including life imprisonment or death, is the general court-martial. This court-martial has jurisdiction over the most serious offenses under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) and is capable of imposing significant sentences as it can function similarly to a civilian felony court. The general court-martial typically includes a panel of military members who act as jurors and are responsible for determining both guilt and sentence.

In contrast, a special court-martial is designed to handle less severe offenses and can generally impose sentences that include confinement for a maximum of 12 months, but not for life or death. A summary court-martial is even less severe and is intended for minor offenses; it does not have the authority to impose significant confinement sentences or capital punishment. Non-judicial punishment is an administrative action that allows for disciplinary measures without a formal court-martial, but it cannot result in confinement or a criminal record. Thus, the general court-martial is appropriately the only type that holds the authority to enforce the most extreme penalties.