Under what conditions can military members be tried in civilian courts?

Military members can be tried in civilian courts primarily for criminal offenses that violate civilian laws. This is rooted in the principle that all individuals, regardless of their military status, are subject to the laws of the country in which they reside. When a service member commits a crime that falls under civilian jurisdiction, such as theft, assault, or drug offenses that violate state or federal laws, they may be prosecuted in the civilian judicial system. This reflects the dual legal system that recognizes both military and civil law, allowing for the accountability of military personnel in the broader society.

In contrast, offenses that violate military regulations typically fall under the jurisdiction of military courts and are addressed through the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). Conduct unbecoming of an officer is also managed within military judicial processes, as it pertains to maintaining military discipline and standards. Breaches of the UCMJ are handled through military courts, which deal with specific offenses defined within military law. Therefore, while military personnel must adhere to both military regulations and civilian laws, the correct scenario for civilian prosecution is specifically focused on violations of civilian law.