Sec. 135.

(1) A court of inquiry to investigate any matter may be convened by a person authorized to convene a general court-martial or by any other person designated by the governor for that purpose, whether or not the person involved has requested the inquiry.

(2) A court of inquiry shall consist of 3 or more commissioned officers. For each court of inquiry the convening authority shall appoint counsel for the court.

(3) A person subject to this code or in the status of a civilian employee of the military forces of this state who has a direct interest in the subject of inquiry shall have the right to be designated as a party, shall be given due notice, and shall have the right to be present, to be represented by counsel, to cross-examine witnesses, and to introduce evidence.

(4) A member of a court of inquiry may be challenged by a party but only for cause stated to the court.

(5) The members, counsel, the reporter, and interpreters of courts of inquiry shall take an oath or affirmation to faithfully perform their duties.

(6) A witness may be summoned to appear and testify and be examined before courts of inquiry as provided for courts-martial.

(7) A court of inquiry shall make findings of fact but shall not express opinions or make recommendations unless required to do so by the convening authority.

(8) Each court of inquiry shall keep a record of its proceedings which shall be authenticated by the signatures of the senior officer and counsel of the court of inquiry and forwarded to the convening authority. If the record cannot be authenticated by signatures of the senior officer and counsel, the record shall be signed by a member instead of the senior officer, and if the record cannot be authenticated by the counsel for the court, the record shall be signed by a member instead of the counsel.

History: 1980, Act 523, Eff. Mar. 31, 1981