But though the judge advocate of the fleet does not actually attend the courtsmartial very responsible duties are imposed upon him.
All cases where the prisoner has pleaded guilty are examined in the admiralty, and if in any case there is any reason to think that there has been any informality or that the prisoner has not understood the effect of his plea, such case is submitted to the judge advocate of the fleet for his opinion.
The judge advocate of the fleet receives no fees but is remunerated by a salary of £500 per annum.
The officiating judge advocate is usually the secretary of the flagofficer convening the court-martial or some other officer of the accountancy branch.
The judge advocate of the fleet is a practising barrister whose function it is to advise the admiralty on all matters connected with courts-martial.
