Army disciplinary hearings condemned as 'kangaroo courts' There was also "nothing to prevent dishonest commanders from pursuing vendettas against those over whom they exercise power." The submission said that under the regime, the MoD is the only UK employer to enjoy vast powers of sanction, suspension and dismissal without any independent oversight, or checks and balances. Commanders have the power to deny legal representation, refuse witnesses, protect favoured colleagues and "stack the deck" in favour of the chain of the command, according to the report. It said the "proceedings are "kangaroo courts" - biased and partisan tribunals bounding inexorably towards predetermined conclusions." At times, it added, commanders had used the system against personnel who had the "temerity to complain about being abused by the chain of command." :: Changes allowing foreign soldiers who serve in the British Army to be allowed leave to remain in the UK even if they have minor convictions on their record are to be put before Parliament today, according to Channel 4 News. At present, even low-level convictions for breaches of military discipline are considered a bar to settlement in the country. A Home Office spokesman said the criteria for granting settlement rights, including how they would be affected by military convictions, had been reviewed and there would be an announcement shortly.