The convening authority decides on the disposition of cases to investigation and trial, and also selects the members of a court-martial.
[2] Unlike a civilian trial, the convening authority's "command prerogative" entitles them to amend or overturn the sentence of a court-martial.
However, the convening authority may not set aside a finding of not guilty or increase the severity of a recommended punishment.
Their position broadly mirrors the provisions found in the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
[3][4] Susan J. Crawford, the second convening authority, had been a long-term senior civilian lawyer for the Department of Defense, eventually serving as the Inspector General.