Wehrdienstgerichte

Introduction

The Wehrdienstgerichte (Miltary Service Courts) is a pivotal component of the judicial system within the Kriegsmacht. stablished as part of the broader military justice system, it played a crucial role in maintaining discipline and adjudicating legal matters within the Kriegsmacht. Their cases primarily surround individuals currently in service with the Kriegsmacht.

Jurisdiction

The Wehrdienstgerichte has jurisdiction over a wide range of offenses and legal matters pertaining to military service within the Kriegsmacht, specifically holding their own lawbook separate to that of the Civil German Penal Code. These offences include breaches of military discipline, desertion, insubordination, and other offenses defined by military law. Primarily, the Wehrdienstgerichte serves as a tool to enforce law and order within the Kriegsmacht by acting at their primary judicial body. By ensuring swift and decisive handling of cases where military law has been breached, the Wehrdienstgericht upholds military standards and preserves the chain of command within the Kriegsmacht. To assist in the enforcement of military law, the Militarischer Geheimdienst and the Kaiserliche Feldjagers are the subfactions within the Kriegsmacht that uphold the military law, effective being secret police and military police forces respectively.

Procedures and Personnel

Defendants are typically military personnel subject to the jurisdiction of the Military lawbook. Trials are conducted by military richters (judges), these positions are usually held by Commissioned Officers. Proceedings generally followed established rules of evidence and due process, including opening/closing statements, opportunities to present any evidence/testimony and to cross reference witnesses where required.

Additional information & Images

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  The Bendlerblock cells where prisoners/defendants are kept in detainment.

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  The Wehrdienstgericht courtroom.