The legal standard for competency to stand trial in the United States was articulated by the U.S. Supreme Court in Dusky v. United States (1960), wherein the Court determined that a defendant must have “sufficient present ability to consult with his lawyer with a reasonable degree of rational understanding” and a “rational as well as
The issue of competency to stand trial refers to a defendant’s current mental functioning at the time of his or her trial: Those who are unable to understand the court proceedings or unable to assist counsel in their defense as a result of mental disorder or cognitive deficit are considered incompetent to stand trial. The
The legal standard for competency to stand trial in the United States was articulated by the U.S. Supreme Court in Dusky v. United States (1960), wherein the Court determined that a defendant must have “sufficient present ability to consult with his lawyer with a reasonable degree of rational understanding” and a “rational as well as