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A United States military "jury" (or "members", in military parlance) serves a function similar to an American civilian jury, but with several notable differences. Only a general court-martial (which may impose any sentences, from dishonorable discharge to death[1]) or special court-martial (which can impose sentences of up to one year of confinement and bad-conduct discharge[2]) includes members. There are no members in a trial by summary court-martial (which can impose sentences of up to 30 days of confinement[3]). If the defendant at a general or special court-martial chooses to be tried by members rather than by a military judge alone, the members are responsible for rendering both a verdict and sentence should the accused be found guilty.[4] The charges are brought forward by an officer called a "convening authority",[5] who also selects the members who try the accused.[6] The charges are prosecuted by judge advocates called "trial counsel".[7] Defendants facing general or special courts-martial are represented free of charge from judge advocates acting as defense counsel.[8] Defendants may also be represented at general or special courts-martial by civilian attorneys hired at their own expense.[9] While not required by Congressional law, service policy provides that, at summary courts-martial, many military accused receive representation from a judge advocate defense counsel free of charge.