Ep 7. Military Justice

The episode titled "Military Justice" from season 15 of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit sheds light on the issue of military justice and the challenges faced by those who have been sexually assaulted within the military. The episode opens with Sergeant Lena Petrovsky being brutally raped by three male soldiers during a training exercise. However, when Lena seeks justice through the military court, she encounters hurdles and challenges that prevent her from obtaining a fair trial.

The SVU team, led by Detective Olivia Benson, gets involved in the case and they soon discover that Lena's story is just the tip of the iceberg. Several other female soldiers have been sexually assaulted or harassed by their male colleagues but they are too afraid to speak up. The episode also touches on the controversial issue of military jurisdiction and how it can prevent justice from being served to victims of sexual assault.

As the SVU team delves deeper into the case, they encounter challenges from several fronts. Lena's commanding officer Captain Jackson, played by guest star Jeremy Irons, tries to prevent the SVU from pursuing the case and insists that the military court is well-equipped to handle the matter. However, Benson and her team quickly realize that the military justice system is stacked against the victims and tends to protect the perpetrators.

The episode also features the return of Amanda Rollins' sister, who is now a member of the military and provides insight into the complexities of military justice. Rollins herself is forced to confront her past issues with substance abuse and her strained relationship with her sister as she navigates the case.

The story takes a dramatic turn when evidence implicating one of the three soldiers involved in Lena's rape is found. The SVU team works tirelessly to gather enough evidence to bring the perpetrator to justice. But just as they are about to make an arrest, they discover that the military has already arranged for him to be transferred to a different base and avoid prosecution.

The episode ends on a poignant note as Benson and her team are forced to grapple with their inability to provide justice for Lena and the other victims. They continue to fight for a change in the military justice system and push for better protection of sexual assault victims within the military.

Overall, "Military Justice" is a powerful episode that sheds light on the complexities and challenges of military justice. It highlights the importance of supporting victims of sexual assault and the need for reform in the military justice system. The episode features strong performances from the entire cast and is a must-watch for fans of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.