Marine Corps JAGs are trained lawyers and officers who perform legal work for the Marines, including military-specific cases and personal legal advice. They act as both prosecutors and defense attorneys, enforce the code, and have knowledge of both military and civil law. Educational requirements include obtaining a law degree and certification. Competition for JAG positions is high, but it can lead to a variety of assignments.
A United States Marine Corps (USMC) Judge Advocate General (JAG) performs legal work on behalf of the Marines. Individuals who join the Marine Corps JAG are trained lawyers in addition to being enlisted officers. Marine Corps JAGs are formally known as Judge Advocates but are commonly referred to as JAG Advocates. Their representation may include military-specific cases, such as courts-martial, or may involve personal legal advice for military and female colleagues.
In general, a Marine Corps JAG has the responsibility to act as both a prosecutor and defense attorney in civilian and military matters. JAG attorneys may be asked to draft a will and testament for a private stationed in the United States (USA), or they may be sent to defend orders given by a high-ranking officer in times of war. Establishing legality in contracts and enforcing the code is an added responsibility.
While representing the United States as Marines, members of the JAG must first fulfill the duties assigned for the rank they have achieved within the USMC. Obtaining a law degree and certification are additional requirements for serving in the Marine Corps JAG. Educational requirements can be met during enlistment and JAG activities can be done while student Marines are preparing for the bar exam in the state they are stationed in. Some members practice attorneys before applying and enlisting in the USMC.
Marine Corps JAG attorneys are required to have knowledge of both military and civil law of the United States. They enforce the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) in cases relating to violations of USMC codes of conduct and business. A JAG-appointed attorney of the Marine Corp, or Judge Advocate, administers the law under the supervision of the Judge Advocate Division (JAD) and within the UCMJ. All legal activities and ascent to rank are supervised by the US military.
Although some civil lawyers study and practice law to specialize in an area, becoming a Marine Corps JAG can lead to a wide variety of assignments. Individuals selected for appointment as JAG officers can likely expect to complete administrative duties, advise fellow officers and superiors on proper procedure, work to ensure best practice in conflict arenas, and shadow Marine families in need of domestic legal advice. Competition for JAG positions is often high and the day job can be more menial than the high profile one. Individuals who choose to serve as United States Marines and as Marine Corps JAG attorneys, however, will serve both the client and the country.
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