United States v. Pratcher

Opinion of the Court

FLETCHER, Judge:

We granted review of appellant’s special court-martial,* to consider whether his superior officer’s actions divested the same of the right to be respected, thereby rendering null appellant’s approved disrespect conviction. 15 M.J. 379 (1983). While we conclude that the officer’s involvement with appellant’s creditor was inappropriate and in violation of an Army regulation, we are unable to conclude that such conduct rose to the level of divestment of the right to respect. We turn, first, to the particular facts.

Appellant complains about his First…