Code of Service Discipline and Me
Overview
This guide provides general information for Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members on what to expect during disciplinary proceedings under the Code of Service Discipline (CSD), and their rights and entitlements in the military justice system afforded by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the National Defence Act.
Important notice
This version of the “Code of Service Discipline and Me” replaces the earlier guide, issued in 2015, and reflects changes introduced to the military justice system by An Act to amend the National Defence Act and to make related and consequential amendments to other Acts, SC 2019, c 15 (Bill C-77).
Who this guide is for
- Regular Force members of the CAF
- Reserve Force members of the CAF
- Civilians who accompany the CAF on service
- Civilians who attend a training or education institution of the CAF
In this guide
Code of Service Discipline
- What is the CSD?
- Why do we have a CSD?
- When am I subject to the CSD?
Arrests
- Who can arrest me?
- Can I be arrested under the CSD if I have released from the CAF?
- What happens if I am arrested?
- What happens if I am held in custody?
Charges
- What is a charge?
- What can I be charged with under the CSD?
- Who can lay charges against me?
- When are charges under the CSD laid?
- Can I be charged under the CSD if I have released from the CAF?
- How do I know if I have been charged?
- Who decides if I am charged with an offence or infraction?
- Who decides whether my charge should proceed?
- Who else will know about my charge?
Assistance
- How do I prepare my case at court martial?
- How do I prepare for a summary hearing?
Victims’ and affected persons’ rights
- What are my rights as a victim of a service offence?
- What support is available if I am affected by a service infraction?
Proceedings and hearings
- What are the differences between a court martial and summary hearing?
- Where are proceedings and hearings held?
- How will I know where and when to stand trial?
- How long do proceedings and hearings last?
- What happens if I don’t attend proceedings?
- Who makes the decisions for my case?
Disciplinary consequences
- What disciplinary repercussions could I face for misconduct?
- What happens if I am sentenced to detention?
- What happens if I am sentenced to prison?
Appeals and reviews
- Can I have the findings of my case reviewed?
- How long does a CSD conviction stay on my conduct sheet?
Details and history
| Published: | March 2015 |
| Updated: | August 2025 |
| Authority: | Deputy Judge Advocate General – Military Justice |
For information about this guide
Contact the Directorate of Law – Military Justice Operations.
| Email: | JAG_MJ_Ops@forces.gc.ca |
| Mail: | National Defence Headquarters 101 Colonel By Drive Ottawa ON K1A 0K2 |
For assistance from Defence Counsel Services
If you are under investigation or have been arrested, charged, or are liable to be charged under the Code of Service Discipline, you can obtain free legal advice by communicating with the Defence Counsel Services (DCS).
| Phone: | Defence Counsel Duty Line: Canada/USA: 1-888-715-9636 Outside Canada/USA: +1 819-997-8985 |
| Email: | JAG.DDCSddcsadmin-admindsad@forces.gc.ca |
| Mail: | National Defence Headquarters 101 Colonel By Drive Ottawa ON K1A 0K2 |
Related Acts and regulations
Part III of the National Defence Act Volume II of Queen’s Regulations and Orders QR&O Chapter 2: Investigation and laying of charges QR&O Chapter 5: Arrest and pre-trial custody QR&O Chapter 7: Referral of service offences charges QR&O Chapter 112: Procedures at court martial QR&O Chapter 121: Referral of service infractions charges QR&O Chapter 122: Procedures at summary hearings