When Obedience Becomes a Crime: The Military Duty to Disobey Unlawful Orders
Obedience in Uniform Has Limits
Military personnel are bound by duty, discipline, and the chain of command. But that duty does not extend to illegal actions. Under both U.S. military law and international standards, service members are legally required to refuse unlawful orders—a point often overlooked in public discourse and sometimes misunderstood within the ranks.
At the Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, we’ve stood beside clients worldwide who’ve had the courage to disobey in defense of justice and the Constitution. This article explores the legal, ethical, and historical foundations of the duty to refuse unlawful orders—and what protections exist for those who do.
What Is an Unlawful Order?
Under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) Article 92, service members are required to obey lawful orders. However, not all orders are lawful, and military law draws a clear distinction between orders that must be followed and those that must be refused.
An unlawful order is one that requires the commission of a criminal act or violates the Constitution, U.S. federal law, or applicable international law.
Examples of Unlawful Orders:
- Targeting or intentionally harming civilians
- Torturing or abusing detainees
- Falsifying operational or legal records
- Engaging in unauthorized political or domestic law enforcement actions
Important Note: All military orders are presumed lawful. The burden falls on the service member to establish that an order is manifestly unlawful. This is a high standard, and hesitation or refusal can carry serious consequences—even if ultimately justified.
Because of this legal complexity, service members should consult with legal counsel as soon as they suspect an order may be unlawful. Do not disobey an order without first seeking guidance from a qualified military attorney, unless the order is clearly illegal on its face (e.g., ordering you to shoot unarmed civilians).
According to Army Field Manual 27-10:
“The fact that a person acted pursuant to order of his government or of a superior does not relieve him from responsibility under international law, provided a moral choice was in fact possible.”
Historical and Legal Precedents
- Nuremberg Trials (1945–46)
Established the global legal principle that “just following orders” is not a valid defense for war crimes.
- Yamashita v. Styer, 327 U.S. 1 (1946)
Held a commanding officer accountable for crimes committed by subordinates—introducing the doctrine of command responsibility. (Read the case)
- United States v. Calley (My Lai Massacre)
Calley’s conviction showed that carrying out manifestly illegal orders—even in combat—results in individual accountability. (U.S. Army analysis)
- Lt. Ehren Watada (2006)
Refused deployment to Iraq, arguing that the war was illegal. Although his case ended in a mistrial, it reignited public debate on conscience versus command. Case overview
Ethics in Action: The Burden of Moral Courage
Military obedience does not require blind loyalty. Orders carry the presumption of legality, but that presumption is rebuttable—especially when the order is clearly illegal on its face. Recognizing an unlawful order is often difficult in fast-moving, hierarchical situations. Still, ethical training and operational awareness are designed to support service members in making these critical decisions.
Protections for Service Members Who Speak Up
Disobeying an unlawful order may save lives, protect the Constitution, and uphold international law—but it can also put a service member at risk of retaliation, adverse career action, or criminal charges.
Key Legal Protections:
- Military Whistleblower Protection Act
Protects service members who report violations of law or abuse of authority.
10 U.S. Code § 1034 - MEB/PEB Appeals and Administrative Relief
If a service member is wrongfully discharged or medically separated in retaliation, legal remedies may be pursued through the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) and the Board for Correction of Military Records (BCMR).
How the Law Offices of David P. Sheldon Can Help
We represent service members in all branches of the armed forces—worldwide. From courts-martial and boards of inquiry to whistleblower defense and medical discharge litigation, we know how to challenge wrongful actions at every level of military command.
If you’ve been threatened, punished, or silenced for refusing an unlawful order—or for reporting one—you are not alone. And your rights deserve to be defended.
About the Law Offices of David P. Sheldon
Located in Washington, DC, the Law Offices of David P. Sheldon is a premier military defense firm representing active duty, reserve, and retired service members in courts-martial, MEB/PEB proceedings, security clearance matters, administrative separation, and federal court appeals. With over 25 years of experience, we are committed to protecting those who serve.
Learn more: www.militarydefense.com
Serving Clients Worldwide, Based in Washington, DC
References & Citations
- Uniform Code of Military Justice – Article 92
- Army Field Manual 27-10 – Law of Land Warfare
- Military Whistleblower Protection Act – 10 U.S. Code § 1034
- Yamashita v. Styer
- U.S. Army article on My Lai
- Ehren Watada case overview
- Duke Law – The Law of Military Orders
Legal Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is fact-specific. If you are facing a legal issue related to military justice or command authority, you should speak with a qualified and licensed military law attorney.