71 Powers of the reviewing authority.

1

On a review under section 70 of this Act the reviewing authority has the following powers.

2

In so far as the review is of a finding of guilt, the authority may—

a

quash that finding and, if the sentence relates only to that finding, quash the sentence passed in consequence of that finding;

b

substitute a finding mentioned in subsection (3) below if that finding could have been validly made by the court-martial and the authority is of the opinion that the court-martial must have been satisfied of facts which would justify the making of that finding;

and, where another finding is so substituted, the authority may pass any such sentence (not being, in the opinion of the authority, more severe than the sentence originally passed) open to the court-martial on making such a finding as appears proper.

3

The findings referred to in subsection (2) above are—

a

any finding of guilt which could have been validly made by the court-martial on the charge before it;

b

if the court-martial recorded no finding on a charge alternative to a charge on which the court made the finding being reviewed, a finding of guilt on that alternative charge.

4

In so far as the review is of a sentence, the authority may quash the sentence or substitute a sentence (not being, in the opinion of the authority, more severe than the sentence originally passed) which was open to the court-martial.

5

In reviewing a sentence, the authority may—

a

revoke an order made by the court under section 89A(1) of this Act;

b

remit in whole or part any punishment awarded by the court;

c

commute any such punishment for one or more punishments provided by this Act, being less than the punishment commuted.

6

Where it appears to the reviewing authority that the court-martial, in sentencing the accused, exceeded or erroneously exercised its powers to take other offences into consideration, the authority shall (whether or not substituting a different sentence or remitting or commuting punishment) annul the taking into consideration of the other offence or offences in question and any orders dependent thereon; and where the authority does so the offence or offences shall be treated for all purposes as not having been taken into consideration.

7

Any substituted finding or sentence, or sentence having effect after the remission or commutation of punishment—

a

shall be treated for all purposes as having been made or passed by the court;

b

shall be promulgated and shall have effect as from the date of promulgation.