JOURNAL ARTICLE

Stolen Valor: The Legal Story Behind Impersonating Military Personnel.

  • Published In: Armed Forces & Society (Sage Publications Inc.), 2024, v. 50, n. 4. P. 1068 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Weisz, E. R. 3 of 3

Abstract

This article provides a comprehensive legal analysis of military impersonation, also known as stolen valor, focusing on its prosecution under both federal and state laws in the United States. Military impersonation can be committed by civilians, veterans, and active-duty service members, with active-duty cases governed by the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) and civilian cases by federal statutes such as the Stolen Valor Act (SVA) of 2012, which criminalizes false military claims made with intent to obtain tangible benefits. The article highlights challenges related to First Amendment protections of speech, the use of fabricated military service to gain leniency in criminal sentencing, and the variability of state statutes addressing stolen valor, many of which classify it as a misdemeanor. It concludes with policy recommendations including the creation of a centralized military impersonation database, improved verification of military service claims in legal and public contexts, and potential reforms to military awards and veteran benefits to reduce incentives for impersonation.

Additional Information

  • Source:Armed Forces & Society (Sage Publications Inc.). 2024/10, Vol. 50, Issue 4, p1068
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Law
  • Publication Date:2024
  • ISSN:0095-327X
  • DOI:10.1177/0095327X231152622
  • Accession Number:179549820
  • Copyright Statement:Copyright of Armed Forces & Society (Sage Publications Inc.) is the property of Sage Publications Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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