Is a defendant mentally competent to stand trial?

California, United States of America


The following excerpt is from People v. Neighbour, D070982 (Cal. App. 2018):

" 'Both the due process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution and state law prohibit the state from trying or convicting a criminal defendant while he or she is mentally incompetent. ( 1367[, subd. (a) (noting in relevant part that a "person cannot be tried or adjudged to punishment . . . while that person is mentally incompetent," and further noting a "defendant is mentally incompetent for purposes of this chapter if, as a result of mental disorder or developmental disability, the defendant is unable to understand the nature of the criminal proceedings or to assist counsel in the conduct of a defense in a rational manner")]; Drope v. Missouri (1975) 420 U.S. 162, 181; Pate v. Robinson (1966) 383 U.S. 375, 384-386; People v. Ramos (2004) 34 Cal.4th 494, 507.) A defendant is incompetent to stand trial if he or she lacks a ' "sufficient present ability to consult with his lawyer with a reasonable degree of rational understanding [or lacks] . . . a rational as well as a factual understanding of the

Page 33

Other Questions


What is the test for determining whether a defendant is competent to stand trial at a retrospective mental competency hearing? (California, United States of America)
What is the test for determining whether a defendant is mentally competent to stand trial? (California, United States of America)
What is the test for a trial judge to proceed with the trial of a defendant under section 1368 of the California Mental Health Act if the trial judge receives the reports of two psychiatrists? (California, United States of America)
What are the "magic words" required by the trial court to determine that a defendant is competent to stand trial? (California, United States of America)
What is the test for determining whether a defendant is mentally competent to stand trial? (California, United States of America)
Is a defendant competent to stand trial after a second competency hearing? (California, United States of America)
What is the test for determining whether a defendant is mentally competent to stand trial? (California, United States of America)
What is the test for determining whether a defendant is mentally competent to stand trial? (California, United States of America)
When a defendant makes a mid-trial motion to revoke his self represented status and have standby counsel appointed for the remainder of the trial, does the trial court have a duty to manage the trial? (California, United States of America)
What is the test for determining whether a defendant is competent to stand trial after a second competency hearing? (California, United States of America)
X



Alexi white


"The most advanced legal research software ever built."

Trusted by top litigators from across North America.