The United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces was created by the Congress in 1950.  Cases originally adjudicated by military tribunals are appealed to this court and it is the highest court for martial convictions in the armed forces.

 The President of the United States, with the consent of the Senate, appoints five civilian judges who preside over this court.  The tenure of these judges is for fifteen years.  The United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces exercises its jurisdiction subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice.  Decisions of this court are subject to the review of the Supreme Court of the United States.  However, the Supreme Court does not exercise review over denials from petitions for review or relief in extraordinary petitions.  Free representation is provided through a government furnished counsel for a service member whose case is eligible for review by the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces.