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THE ARMY JAG CORPS IS BORN (1775)
On July 29, 1775, shortly after becoming the Supreme Commander of the Continental Army, George Washington founds the U.S. Army JAG Corps. The nations oldest law firm begins serving the newly independent nation, and over two centuries grows to embody adherence to the laws of war, and the rule of law, all over the world -
THE ARMY'S FIRST JUDGE ADVOCATE (1775)
Colonel William Tudor of Boston is a 25-year-old graduate of Harvard and pupil of John Adams. The Second Continental Congress appoints him as the first Judge Advocate of the Army. -
JAG CORPS TEMPORARILY ABOLISHED (1802)
Most of the staff positions in the active Army—including Judge Advocate—are eliminated. JAG legal functions are assumed by the state militias. -
THE RETURN OF THE JUDGE ADVOCATE (1849)
After a nearly 50-year interruption, Judge Advocates resume their important work when Congress reestablishes the position—President Zachary Taylor is responsible for appointing this person. -
THE CORPS EXPANDS TO THE FIELD (1862)
Judge Advocates officially become a Corps for the first time: Congress authorizes the creation of Judge Advocates in the field, each reporting to a specific field commander, in addition to the Judge Advocate General in Washington.One such Judge Advocate in the field was Martin Welker of Ohio. -
SERVICE ON COURTS OF INQUIRY (1865-72)
Although their numbers decrease to six after the Civil War, JAG Officers expand their responsibilities. For the first time, their legal expertise becomes an indispensable asset to courts of inquiry. -
FIRST JAG SCHOOL ESTABLISHED (1942)
Judge Advocate training moves from the National University Law School in Washington, D.C. to the newly created Judge Advocate General's School at the Law Quadrangle of the University of Michigan Law School in Ann Arbor. -
A GREATLY EXPANDED ROLE (1942-1945)
Judge Advocates take over jurisdiction of courts-martial for the first time. And due to the upcoming post-war nation-building challenges, JAG Corps expertise expands beyond criminal law into contracts, claims, real estate law, legal assistance and other specialties. -
DEFENSE DEPARTMENT PRESENTS NEW CHALLENGE (1947)
The Department of Defense is created in 1947. High on the new department's agenda is the need for a unified criminal code that would apply to all military personnel—Army, Navy, Air Force or Marines. The JAG Corps contributes greatly to the creation of this code over the next few years. -
THE SOLDIER'S BILL OF RIGHTS: THE UNIFORM CODE OF MILITARY JUSTICE (1951)
It's the most comprehensive change in military law in American history, affecting every person in U.S. military service: the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). Individual Soldiers receive important legal safeguards through a system of judicial review similar to the civilian system.
