The Senate voted 97-0 to revamp the laws that protect military victims of sexual assault. The measure, sponsored by Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., eliminates the “good soldier” defense commonly invoked in court-martial trials. It also provides victims a degree of input as to whether their cases are tried in military or civilian courts. The bill also:
* Strips commanders of the power to overturn jury convictions;
* Requires civilian review when commanders decline to prosecute a case;
* Assigns independent legal representatives to victims;
* Mandates a dishonorable discharge for anyone convicted of sexual assault;
* Makes it a crime to retaliate against victims who report sexual assault;
* Eliminates the statute of limitations for rape and sexual-assault cases;
* Changes the pre-trial Article 32 hearing process – similar to civilian grand juries – to afford more protection to victims.
