What is required to work as a JAG attorney? I am starting law school in 6 days :)
I am just wondering what is requried to become a JAG Attorney? How long do u have to in the military for etc? What do you consider the pros and cons of it? Thanks for your thoughts
2007-08-14 12:55:41 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Military
Judge Advocates General are not what was portrayed on the popular TV show. They work on the same range of cases as any attorney in a large firm would. They handle criminal cases, both as trial counsels (prosecutors) and defense counsels. In addition, they handle some tort cases, but most of that is taken care of by Justice Department lawyers.
There are several pros. As a trial counsel you know well in advance what the elements of proof are for prosecution of criminal offenses. Most violations of the UCMJ involve violation of Article 86, (absence without leave) and that violation has a paper trail that would knock you off your feet. So, it's a "slam dunk" for conviction. As a defense attorney, you know that the protections against self-incrimination and the procedures used to ensure a fair trial, predate many of the stare decisis work done by civilian courts in such matters as the Miranda and Escobedo decisions.
If you're fortunate enough to have an assignment to a military hospital, you gain a lot of experience in tort feasor matters, especially as they apply to medical malpractice, protection of human subjects in medical research and the like. With a combat arms unit you may be called on to produce unit guidance for rules of engagement that conform to the Law of Land Warfare (Geneva conventions).
An active duty stint normally is for four years. You serve at the pleasure of the President and are free to attempt resignation of your commission after the period of your obligated service.
2007-08-14 13:13:20 · answer #1 · answered by desertviking_00 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you get the Military to pay for your school your hitched for 6 years. If not then you only have to do 4 years of service. And you will come into the JAG corp as a Capitan.
2007-08-14 13:45:59 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
my uncle was a Jag during Vietnam
and stayed in the reserves untill he was a Colonel.
the air force first made him a pilot
and then sent him to law school.
He loved it.
2007-08-14 13:09:44 · answer #3 · answered by FOA 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋