(a) A summary court–martial may be convened by: (1) a person who may convene a general or special court–martial; (2) the commanding officer of a detached company or other detachment, or corresponding unit of the Army; (3) the commanding officer of a detached squadron or other detachment, or corresponding unit of the Air Force; or (4) the commanding officer or officer in charge of any other command when empowered by the Adjutant General. (b) (1) When only one commissioned officer is present with a command or detachment, that officer shall be the summary court–martial of that command or detachment and shall hear and determine all summary court–martial cases, or a military judge may act as summary court–martial. (2) A summary court–martial may, however, be convened in any case by superior competent authority if considered desirable by such authority.
Maryland Legal Code