United States v. Keith

*60Opinion of the Court

Duncan, Judge:

We granted review in this case to consider two issues related to the military judge’s instructions on sentence.

The appellant pleaded guilty before a special court-martial to absence without leave and a number of specifications alleging drug offenses. Prior to sentencing, the defense presented extensive evidence in extenuation and mitigation. The appellant, in an unsworn statement, acknowledged his wrong, asked for leniency on the basis of his cooperation with authorities in eradicating drug abuse from the ship, and requested that the court not impose a…