Judge-advocate-general, the adviser of the crown in proceedings to confirm or revise the decisions of courts-martial. He is also the adviser, in legal matters, of the Commander-in-chief and Secretary of State for War. Before confirmation, the sentences of all courts-martial, with the evidence adduced, are submitted to him; and it is for him to represent to the commander-in-chief any illegality of procedure, or other circumstance rendering it undesirable that the Queen should be advised to confirm the court's decision. He does not advise as to the exercise of the prerogative of mercy. The judge-advocate-general receives a salary of £2000, and is usually a member of the House of Commons and of the ministry—changing, of course, with the latter. The judge-advocate-general is also the title in the United States for the chief of the bureau of military justice at Washington.
The Deputy-judge-advocate is an officer holding a temporary commission as legal adviser of court-martial, to assist the court, and to see that no injustice is done to the prisoner.