Simple English definitions for legal terms
Read a random definition: collateral issue
Convening Authority: A person in the military who has the power to call for a court-martial to be held. This person is usually a commanding officer.
Definition: A convening authority is a military officer, usually a commanding officer, who has the power to convene or has convened a court-martial.
Example: Captain Smith is the convening authority for the court-martial of Private Johnson.
Explanation: In this example, Captain Smith has the power to convene the court-martial of Private Johnson. As the convening authority, Captain Smith has the responsibility to ensure that the court-martial is conducted fairly and impartially.