Centre For Military Justice

Military men and women, and those closest to them, need access to independent, expert legal advice, advocacy and representation when dealing with serious bullying, sexual harassment, sexual or other serious violence or worse. Bereaved military families suffer a lack of specialist legal expertise when dealing with the aftermath of a service death. Serious bullying, harassment, discrimination and poor welfare provision (particularly for people who have suffered sexual violence) continue to present challenges for the Armed Forces. Until the Centre for Military Justice was established, there was no expert charitable organisation to meet the needs of these people. We are independent of government, the Armed Forces and any political party. The charity provides free legal advice and advocacy services to current and former members of the Armed Forces and/or their families who have been affected by any or all of the above situations and provides an important outreach/educational service to the Armed Forces sector promoting the rule of law, human rights and access to justice. In terms of our legal work, we bring public interest litigation where serious policy or legal failings are identified; and we offer a casework service for service complaints involving allegations of bullying, race or gender discrimination, sexual harassment and/or violence. We also offer a specialist inquest advice and representation for bereaved military families. Separately, we offer specialist trauma-informed mental health support as part of a wrap-around service to the most acutely affected clients. The CMJ also plays a vital role in educating and improving understanding across the Armed Forces sector as to the value of access to justice, the rule of law and human rights. We provide training, publish articles and briefings, contribute expert knowledge and commission research.