A general court-martial can consist of which of the following?

A general court-martial is a judicial court established under military law that has the authority to try serious offenses. The structure of a general court-martial is designed to ensure fairness in the military justice system. The correct answer reflects the requirement that a general court-martial must consist of a military judge and a panel of at least five active duty service members. This panel is crucial because it provides a jury of peers to the accused, which is a fundamental aspect of a fair judicial process. The inclusion of an adequate number of active duty members helps ensure a diverse representation from within the military, which can contribute to a balanced perspective during the trial.

Having a military judge ensures legal expertise is present throughout the court proceedings. The judge's role is to oversee the trial, ensure that legal standards are met, and provide guidance on the law, while the panel members' role is to evaluate the evidence and render a verdict. This combination of judicial and peer review is a hallmark of the military justice system, reflecting the principles of accountability and fairness that underpin military law.