MovieChat Forums > Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea (1964) Discussion > Did the US navy really hang people for m...

Did the US navy really hang people for mutiny in 20th century?

posted 8 years ago by skybluesal-93469
8 replies | jump to latest

In the episode 'Mutiny', The Admiral (Stark) tells captain Crane that mutiny is a hanging offence. Is this true and could Lee Crane have been hanged? seems a bit final!

[–] Blueghost 8 years ago

Technically it probably is, but any death sentence in the modern navy (unless during wartime, and specifically during a battle) would take place after a court martial on shore. And the death sentence might be lethal injection or gas chamber.

[–] skybluesal-93469 8 years ago

Thank you, Blueghost. Not a pleasant thought...

[–] Blueghost 8 years ago

No, but mutiny is forcefully removing the CO and anyone who supports him, from command, and taking over the ship for whatever purpose. In civilian speak it's like a bunch of police officers throwing the chief of police and his friends on the force in jail.

How do you punish that? For the military it's usually with death because these people are supposed to be killing the enemy, not taking over your assets.

[–] skybluesal-93469 8 years ago

Great explanation, thanks. Going back to the episode though, in the 1960's (or 70's as the writers would have us believe ) would Capt Crane have been court martial le for mutiny, even though he saved the ship? He did draw a gun...

[–] lauriegonzalez11 8 years ago

Before a court martial there would likely be one or more hearings to determine if a court martial is warranted. In this case,it would probably be decided to not have a court martial. For comparison look at what is currently happening with Beau Bergdahl (if I spelled that right). He's the army sergeant awaiting court martial for dissertation.

[–] kincaid-5 7 years ago

Dissertation? Does that means he's getting a Ph.D.?

http://redkincaid.com

[–] lauriegonzalez11 7 years ago

Gotta love auto-correct.

[–] zooeyhall 8 years ago

The last person to be tried by court martial, sentenced to death, and actually executed in the Armed Forces for a "military" crime; was Private Eddie Slovik in 1945. He was accused of desertion for running away during the Battle of the Bulge.

There have been servicemen sentenced to death, and perhaps a few executed, for "non-military" crimes such as murder or rape.