(l) Upon a Force Court assembling, the Court shall, before beginning the trial, satisfy itself in closed Court.—
(a) that the Court has been convened in accordance with the Act and these rules;
(b) that the Court consists of not less than the minimum number of officers required by law;
(c) that the members are of the required rank;
(d) that the members have been duly appointed and are not disqualified under the Act;
(e) that if there is a Judge Attorney, he has been duly appointed:
(f) that the accused appears, from the charge-sheet, to be subject to the Act and to be subject to the jurisdiction of the Court; and Page 35 of 110
(g) that each charge is correct in law and framed in accordance with these rules.
(2(a) Where a vacancy occurs through a member of the Court being disqualified under the Act, or being absent when the Court assembles, the presiding officer may appoint a duly qualified waiting member to fill that vacancy.
(b) Where a vacancy occurs through a member of the court so require, substitute a duly qualified waiting member for a member appointed by the convening officer.
(3) If the Court is not satisfied on any of the matters mentioned in subrule (1) and is not competent to rectify, such matter itself under the Act or these rules, it shall, before commencing the trial, report thereon to the convening officer.
(4) When the Court has complied with this rule and is ready to proceed with the trial, the presiding officer shall open the Court and the trial shall begin.