95. Defending officer and friend of accused. —(1) At any general or district court-martial, an accused person may be represented by any officer subject to the Act who shall be called “the defending officer” or assisted by any person whose services he may be able to procure and who shall be called “the friend of the accused”.
(2) It shall be the duty of the convening officer to ascertain whether an accused person desires to have a defending officer assigned to represent him at his trial and, if he does so desire, the convening officer shall use his best endeavours to ensure that the accused shall be so represented by a suitable officer. If owing to military exigencies, or for any other reason, there shall in the opinion of the convening officer, be no such officer available for the purpose, the convening officer shall give a written notice to the presiding officer of the court-martial, and such notice shall be attached to the proceedings.
(3) The defending officer shall have the same rights and duties as appertain to counsel under these rules and shall be under the like obligations.
(4) The friend of the accused may advise the accused on all points and suggest the questions to be put to the witnesses, but he shall not examine or cross-examine the witnesses or address the court.
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