The Case – Timeline
From a disputed military order to years of court proceedings.
The Michael New case developed over years, beginning with his service in Germany and the planned United Nations deployment to Macedonia, continuing through his court-martial and discharge, and ultimately moving through the military and federal court systems.
Chronology of the Michael New Case
Michael New Enlists
Michael New enlisted in the United States Army and later served with American forces stationed in Germany.
Deployment to Macedonia Announced
New's unit was selected to participate in a United Nations peacekeeping deployment to Macedonia.
The Uniform Dispute
Members of the unit were directed to wear United Nations insignia and other identifying items associated with the mission. New questioned the legality of the order.
New Reports in His U.S. Army Uniform
Michael New reported for formation wearing his regulation U.S. Army uniform rather than the prescribed United Nations accoutrements. His decision led to disciplinary proceedings.
Court-Martial
A military court convicted New of failing to obey a lawful order under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
Bad Conduct Discharge
New received a Bad Conduct Discharge from the United States Army. The legal challenge to his case continued.
Court-Martial Action Approved
Major General Montgomery Meigs approved the court-martial action, authorizing New's discharge and allowing him to return home.
Congressional Resolution Introduced
U.S. Representative Helen Chenoweth introduced H.Con.Res. 158 concerning the deployment of U.S. military personnel in connection with the United Nations mission in Macedonia.
Supreme Court Declines Review
The U.S. Supreme Court denied a petition for a writ of certiorari filed on Michael New's behalf.
Army Court Affirms Conviction
The United States Army Court of Criminal Appeals affirmed New's court-martial conviction and issued its opinion.
Citizen Soldier Protection Act
Representative Helen Chenoweth introduced the Citizen Soldier Protection Act of 2000, legislation related to issues raised by the Michael New case.
CAAF Reaffirms the Conviction
The United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces issued its decision reaffirming the ruling of the Army Court of Criminal Appeals.
Supreme Court Declines the Case
The U.S. Supreme Court declined to review Michael New's case.
New Returns to Court
Michael New returned to court seeking to overturn his court-martial conviction and continue the legal challenge to his case.
Federal District Court Hearing
A hearing was held before U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman as New's challenge continued in federal court.
Federal District Court Dismisses Case
U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman issued a ruling dismissing New's federal court case.
Appeal Moves Forward
New's legal team continued the case before the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, filing briefs and preparing for oral argument.
Arguments Before the D.C. Circuit
Attorneys for Michael New and the government presented arguments before the United States Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C.
D.C. Circuit Denies Appeal
The United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit denied New's appeal from the federal district court.
Rehearing En Banc Requested
New's legal team petitioned the D.C. Circuit for rehearing en banc, asking the full appellate court to reconsider the case.
En Banc Petition Rejected
The United States Court of Appeals rejected New's request for an en banc rehearing.
Case Returns to the Supreme Court
New's legal team filed with the U.S. Supreme Court seeking review of the case.
Supreme Court Declines to Hear the Case
Michael New's legal team was informed that the U.S. Supreme Court would not hear the case.
Petition for Writ of Certiorari Filed
Michael New's legal team filed another Petition for Writ of Certiorari as the effort to challenge his case continued.
Petition to Upgrade Discharge
A petition was filed seeking to upgrade Michael New's Bad Conduct Discharge to an Honorable Discharge.