More Protectors for Victims of Military Sexual Assault (S. 1917)

What is S. 1917?

(Updated July 13, 2017)

Allows victims of sexual assault enlisted in the military to offer a preference as to whether they would want their case tried in a military or civilian court. Applies same provisions to such cases of sexual assault at military academies. Eliminates the "good solider defense," in which an accused soldier's good/clean record is used in their defense. 

Argument in favor

Provides important new protectors to enlisted victims of sexual assault while maintaining credibility of military commanders and magistrates.

Argument opposed

Does not go far enough: a prior bill introduced by Gillbrand (D-NY) would have taken the decision to prosecute sexual assault cases out of military chain-of-command.

Impact

Impacts how and where sexual assault cases in the military are heard.

Cost of S. 1917

A CBO cost estimate is not available at this time.

Additional Info

Media:

The Hill: Senate Approves McCaskill Sexual Assault Bill in 97-0 Vote

Of Note: 

-A Pentagon report estimates that in 2012 there were 26,000 cases of unwanted sexual contact in the Armed Forces.