A special court-martial can be composed of how many active duty service members at a minimum?

A special court-martial is a type of military court that handles less severe offenses than a general court-martial. The composition of a special court-martial is governed by regulations that stipulate the minimum number of active duty members required for the panel. A minimum of three active duty service members is needed to ensure a fair representation and deliberation process in the decision-making of the court. This requirement aims to provide a balanced perspective and prevent biases that may arise from having too few members, reinforcing the principle of a fair trial within the military justice system. The presence of at least three members also enhances the legitimacy and accountability of the court's proceedings.