Supreme Court of Canada upholds constitutionality of military justice system

OTTAWA -- The Supreme Court of Canada has upheld the constitutionality of the military justice system.

The court has dismissed four appeals that argued sections of the National Defence Act were broader than necessary and therefore violated the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

The appeals related to offences committed by members of the Forces who were subject to the Code of Service Discipline under the defence act.

The four members were accused of offences punishable under the Criminal Code and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

The court said Parliament's objective in creating the military justice system was to provide processes that would assure the maintenance of discipline, efficiency and morale of the military.

In its ruling, the justices said criminal or fraudulent conduct -- even when committed in circumstances that are not directly related to military duties --may have an impact on the standard of discipline, efficiency and morale.