§ 5710 — Pleas of the accused

(a) Inadequacy or lack of pleading.--A plea of not guilty shall be entered in the record, and the court shall proceed as though the accused had pleaded not guilty, if, after arraignment before a court martial:

(1) an accused makes an irregular pleading;

(2) after a plea of guilty an accused sets up matter inconsistent with the plea;

(3) it appears that an accused has entered a plea of guilty improvidently or through lack of understanding or its meaning and effect; or

(4) an accused fails or refuses to plead.

(b) Plea of guilty.--With respect to any charge or specification to which a plea of guilty has been made by the accused and accepted by the military judge, a finding of guilty of the charge or specification may be entered immediately without vote. This finding shall constitute the finding of the court unless the plea of guilty is withdrawn prior to announcement of the sentence, in which event the proceedings shall continue as though the accused had pleaded not guilty.

Legislative History

Cross References.Section 5710 is referred to in section 5717 of this title.