Page:Title 3 CFR 2005 Compilation.djvu/204

 Executive Orders EO 13387 (p) The following Analysis of new R.C.M. 1103A is inserted following the Analysis of R.C.M. 1103: "Rule 1103A. 2005 Amendment: The 1998 Amendments to the Manual for Courts-Martial introduced the requirement to seal M.R.E. 412 (rape shield) motions, related papers, and the records of the hearings, to "fully protect an alleged victim of [sexual assault] against invasion of privacy and potential emban'assment." MCM Appendix 22, p. 36. As current Rule 412(c)(2) reads, it is m\177clear whether appellate courts are bound by orders sealing Rule 412 information issued by the military judge. The effect and scope of a military judge's order to seal exhibits, proceedings, or materials is similarly unclear. Certain aspects of the military justice system, particularly during appellate review, seemingly mandate access to sealed materials. For example, appellate defense counsel have a need to examine an entire record of trial to advocate thoroughly and knowingly on behalf of a client. Yet there is some uncertainty about appellate defense counsel's authority to examine sealed materials in the absence of a court order. This authority applies to both military and civilian appellate defense counsel. The role is designed to respect the privacy and other interests that justified sealing the material in the first place, while at the same time recognizing the need for certain military justice functionaries to review that same information. The rule favors an approach relying on the integrity and professional responsibility of those functionaries, and assumes that they can review sealed materials and at the same time protect the interests that justified sealing the material in the first place. Should disclosure become necessary, then the party seeking disclosure is directed to an appropriate judicial or quasi-judicial official or tribunal to obtain a disclosure order." (r) The Analysis accompanying R.C.M. 1301(a) is amended by inserting the following paragraph:

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