United States v. Footman

OPINION OF THE COURT

HANFT, Judge:

Footman pled guilty to the larceny of a stereo amplifier which belonged to Larry McEnany. The trial judge then conducted what has commonly, but incorrectly, become known in military jurisprudence as an inquiry into the “providency” of a plea of guilty. The term “providency” is not recognized by Mr. Webster, and although “providence” and “provident” are recognized words, the correctness of their use in a judicial setting is doubtful. Be that as it may, and call it what you will, the trial judge, in attempting to list the elements of the offense of larceny,…