About this Unit
The Naval Justice School (NJS) was established in 1946 to provide legal education and training to military lawyers, known as Judge Advocates General (JAG), and legal personnel in the United States Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. Originally located in Port Hueneme, California, the school moved to Newport, Rhode Island, in 1950, where it remains today. The NJS plays a vital role in preparing JAG officers to advise commanders on military justice, operational law, and ethics, both in the United States and abroad. Over the decades, graduates of the Naval Justice School have served in every major conflict, ensuring the rule of law and ethical conduct within the naval services.
Historical Facts
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Origins in World War II: The Naval Justice School (NJS) was established in 1946 in response to the need for standardized legal training for Navy and Marine Corps lawyers following World War II.
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Location: The primary campus of the NJS is located at Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island, with additional detachments in San Diego, California, and Norfolk, Virginia.
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Mission: The school trains Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Judge Advocates and enlisted legalmen in military justice, civil law, and administrative law.
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International Students: Over the decades, the NJS has trained legal officers from allied and partner nations, fostering international cooperation and legal standards.
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Non-Lawyer Training: In addition to lawyers, NJS provides legal training to non-lawyer officers and enlisted personnel, particularly those who may serve as legal officers aboard ships or at installations.
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Role in Court-Martials: Many prominent court-martial cases have involved NJS graduates, underlining their critical role in upholding military justice and the rule of law.
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Women in JAG: The NJS has played a significant part in training the first generations of female Navy Judge Advocates, following the integration of women into the military legal profession.
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Specialized Courses: The NJS offers advanced courses on topics such as operational law, environmental law, and legal aspects of military operations, reflecting the broad scope of modern military law.
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Historic First: In 1967, the first African-American woman, Lt. Cmdr. Harriet Pickens, graduated from the NJS, marking a milestone in diversity for the Navy’s legal community.
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Influence on Popular Culture: The U.S. Navy JAG Corps and the Naval Justice School inspired the hit TV series “JAG,” which ran for 10 seasons and brought public attention to military law and its practitioners.
