Ep 2. The Court-Martial of Sandra Gilbert

The Court-Martial of Sandra Gilbert is the second episode of the third season of JAG, a military legal drama series. The episode revolves around the court-martial of a Navy Lieutenant Commander Sandra Gilbert, who is accused of negligence in a training exercise that led to the death of a Marine Lieutenant.

The episode begins with Lt. Harmon Rabb Jr. (played by David James Elliott) and Lt. Meg Austin (played by Tracey Needham) undergoing combat training simulations. During the exercise, Lt. Austin gets injured, and Lt. Rabb holds Lt. Austin responsible for her own injury. However, their argument is interrupted when they both receive a call from their superior, Admiral Chegwidden (played by John M. Jackson), ordering them to defend Lt. Commander Gilbert in court-martial.

Lt. Commander Gilbert, who was in charge of a training exercise, is being accused of negligence that resulted in the death of Marine Lt. Oliver. The prosecution argues that Lt. Commander Gilbert was negligent in supervising the exercise and took too long to respond to an emergency situation, leading to the death of Lt. Oliver. On the other hand, Lt. Commander Gilbert's defense team argues that she was not responsible for the death of Lt. Oliver and that she gave her best efforts in the situation.

As the trial begins, Lt. Rabb and Lt. Austin are forced to work together as Lt. Commander Gilbert's defense team. However, Lt. Rabb is finding it difficult to work with Lt. Austin, given their earlier argument. Throughout the trial, the prosecution calls various witnesses who testify that Lt. Commander Gilbert was negligent and delayed in responding to the emergency situation during the exercise. The defense team argues that Lt. Commander Gilbert did everything she could and was not responsible for the death of Lt. Oliver.

As the trial progresses, the defense team uncovers evidence that suggests that a fellow Navy officer, Lt. Commander Magnus, may have been responsible for Lt. Oliver's death. Lt. Commander Magnus had been struggling with alcoholism and was not fit for duty during the exercise. The defense team argues that Lt. Commander Magnus was responsible for the death of Lt. Oliver and that Lt. Commander Gilbert should not be held accountable.

The trial reaches its conclusion as Lt. Rabb presents his final arguments, urging the court to consider all the facts before making a decision. The episode ends with a surprising verdict that could change the course of Lt. Commander Gilbert's career.

Overall, The Court-Martial of Sandra Gilbert is an intense legal drama episode that highlights the challenges faced by military lawyers and judges in balancing justice with the needs of the military. The episode portrays the court-martial process as a fair and objective way of determining the truth, even in a highly charged atmosphere. The episode also touches upon themes such as the importance of military discipline and the high stakes involved in military training exercises, making it an engrossing watch for military enthusiasts and legal drama fans.