The Courts-Martial (Army) Rules 1997

Accused’s parent or guardian

2.—(1) This rule applies where—

(a) an accused is under the age of 17 years, or

(b) the offence with which the accused is charged is alleged to have been committed during a period of parental recognisance.

(2) Where the prosecutor or the court administration officer is required to serve any document on the accused under these Rules, he shall as soon as is practicable serve a copy of that document on a parent or guardian of the accused who is a service parent or guardian.

(3) Where the accused has not appointed a legal adviser, any parent or guardian of the accused may exercise on behalf of the accused the rights granted to the accused in rule 6(2) above and may represent the accused during the court-martial and any preliminary proceedings in such matter and to such extent as the judge advocate thinks fit.

(4) The court administration officer shall issue a witness summons in accordance with rule 23 above in respect of any parent or guardian on whom a document has been served in accordance with paragraph (2) above to attend the court-martial.

(5) Any parent or guardian of the accused may, if present—

(a) give evidence on oath and call witnesses; and

(b) address the court.