88 LAWS OF MARYLAND. [CH. 70

prescribed for said similar courts; except in cases of absence
without leave in which cases the charge shall be referred to
the summary court officer for trial without previous reference
to an investigating officer. The jurisdiction of said courts or
boards established under the provisions of this Article shall be
presumed and the burden of proof shall rest on any person
seeking to oust such courts or boards of jurisdiction in any
action or proceedings.

General courts-marital of the organized militia not in the ser-
vice of the United States may be convened by orders of the
Governor, and such courts shall have the power to impose fines
not exceeding two hundred dollars; to sentence to forfeiture of
pay and allowances; to a reprimand; to dismissal or dishonorable
discharge from the service; to reduction of non-commissioned
officers to the ranks; or any two or more of such punishments
may be combined in the sentences imposed by such courts.

In the organized militia, not in the service of the United
States, the commanding officer of each garrison, fort, post,
camp or other place, brigade, regiment, detached battalion or
other detached command, may appoint special courts-martial
for his command; but such special courts-martial may in any
case be appointed by superior authority when by the latter
deemed desirable. Special courts-martial shall have power to
try any person subject to military law, except a commissioned
officer, for any crime or offense made punishable by the military
laws of the United States, and such special courts-martial shall
have the same powers of punishment as do general courts-
martial, except that fines imposed by such courts shall not exceed
one hundred dollars.

In the organized militia, not in the service of the United
States, the commanding officer of each garrison, fort, post or
other place, regiment or corps, detached battalion, company or
other detachment, may appoint for such place or command a
summary court to consist of one officer, who shall have power
to administer oaths and to try the enlisted men of such place
or command for breaches of discipline and violations of law
governing such organization; and said court when satisfied of
the guilt of such soldier, may impose fines not exceeding twenty-
five dollars for any single offense; may sentence non-commis-
sioned officers to reduction to the ranks; may sentence to
forfeiture of pay and allowances. The proceedings of such
court shall be informal, and the minutes thereof shall be the
same as prescribed for summary courts of the Army of the
United States.

Approved March 11, 1927.