United States v. Manos

I disagree with the majority’s conclusion that the convening authority abused his discretion in denying the defense request for certain witnesses. The convening authority specifically observed the request did not indicate that any of the desired testimony was “relevant regarding the innocence or guilt of the accused.” As to the value of the testimony for the purpose of sentence, the letter-ruling referred to several factors which the convening authority apparently considered sufficient to justify denial of the defense request.

First, the convening authority pointed out that the three military…