Is this called "Command Influence" in your case? In your case, it sounded like it was a vindictive personal motive. Yikes! I would have hated to be in your shoes.
Now imagine if the motive is political, from much higher up, to show the US really polices its own troops to prevent any "atrocities" in Iraq. NCIS has lots of resources to present evidence the way to want, to prove their case. How can the accused, in the Haditha case, afford all the experts it would take to counteract their presentations?
It will be tough. They need some pro bono physical evidence experts!
Yes command influence was a major part in it.Everyone was scared of this Commander and did not want on his bad side.They have already been tried by the media,etc.All that is left is the formalities of punishment.They will absolutely need the best representation any one or anything can provide.I made my rank quickly for the simple fact I took care of my men.Many times I have witnessed suck up leaders throw their men under the bus for a brownie point.I despised those types of men.If anyone thinks these men will get a fair trial is off their rocker.The judges more than likely have already been hand picked and are just going to go through the motions.Recruitment will suffer greatly.