Who signs the MOA for government experts?

• A. Defense Counsel/Deputy Prosecutor
• B. Staff Judge Advocate/Trial Counsel
• C. Trial Counsel and the expert witness
• D. Judge Advocate and the expert witness

Answer: (B)

The sign-off on an MOA for government experts comes from the government side’s authorized legal leadership, because such an agreement binds the government to provide expert services and resources for a case. In military justice, that authority sits with the Staff Judge Advocate, who oversees installation legal services, and with the Trial Counsel who handles the prosecution in the case. Having both sign the MOA ensures proper authorization, budgeting, and compliance with legal rules governing expert use and disclosure. The defense has no authority to sign on behalf of the government, the judge does not bind the government to resource commitments, and while the expert may acknowledge terms, the formal agreement governing government provision of the expert rests with the prosecuting attorney under the SJA’s supervision.