What does a Special Court-Martial deal with compared to a Summary Court-Martial?

A Special Court-Martial deals with more serious offenses that require a trial and typically involves a higher level of judicial process compared to a Summary Court-Martial. This type of court-martial is designed to handle a range of offenses that are more severe but do not warrant the full proceedings of a General Court-Martial.

In a Special Court-Martial, the accused can face confinement for up to one year, reduction in rank, and discharge from the service, making it a significant forum for adjudicating offenses that are serious but not of the most extreme nature. The proceedings involve a military judge and possibly a panel of members, which allows for a more comprehensive exploration of the evidence and arguments than in a Summary Court-Martial.

The other options describe situations that do not align with the purpose or capabilities of a Special Court-Martial. Administrative actions are typically handled through non-judicial punishment processes, while cases that can be dismissed easily do not require the more formalized trial setting of a Special Court-Martial. Lastly, minor offenses without documentation would generally fall outside the realm of a Special Court-Martial, which is intended for offenses requiring a degree of legal scrutiny and documentation.