Which of the following statements is an example of "checks and balances" in Navy justice?

The statement about a Sailor appealing the punishment awarded at mast exemplifies the concept of "checks and balances" in Navy justice because it reinforces the system that allows for oversight and the opportunity for review. In military justice, when a Sailor believes that the punishment imposed is unjust or inappropriate, the right to appeal ensures that there are mechanisms in place to review decisions made by commanding officers. This process helps maintain fairness and accountability within the disciplinary system, allowing for a check on the authority of commanders.

The other situations fail to reflect the checks and balances principle. For instance, a Commander unilaterally dismissing a case would bypass due process, preventing oversight or a higher authority’s evaluation of the decision. Similarly, a Chief petty officer disregarding a legal ruling undermines the established legal framework, eroding the trust in the justice system. Lastly, a Sailor accepting punishment without question suggests a lack of recourse or challenge within the system, which does not align with the principles of checks and balances that are designed to protect individual rights and ensure just outcomes.