Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

TomSlick

(12,626 posts)
12. I long ago retired from the Army but if I was the Staff Judge Advocate for any flag officer commander
Sun Jun 8, 2025, 08:39 PM
Jun 8

given an unlawful order, i.e. an order to commit a crime, I would give the commander a written legal opinion that the order was unlawful AND that the commander's legal obligation is to refuse the order. I would also advise that I have secured a copy of the legal opinion, where it cannot be seized, for use in any future court martial.

For example, an order to violate the Posse Comitatus Act is unlawful. Obedience of such an order would be a criminal act. The SCOTUS grant of presidential immunity does not extend to others obeying unlawful orders.

Recommendations

2 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»So. Boys and girls. Wudda...»Reply #12