HEARING ON COMPETENCY TO STAND TRIAL

• NCJ Number: 17753
• Author(s): ANON
• Date Published: 1974
• Length: 0 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: National District Atorneys Assoc
• Corporate Author: Woroner Films
• Sale Source: MTI; Not Available Through National Institute of Justice/NCJRS Document Loan Program
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS. 18 MINUTES, COLOR, 1974 RENTAL AVAILABLE COURTS

Annotation

THIS FILM USES A MOCK COMPETENCY HEARING TO ILLUSTRATE THEORETICAL POINTS OF LAW IN REGARD TO COMPETENCY HEARINGS AND TO DISTINGUISH THEM FROM INSANITY HEARINGS.

Abstract

CONFRONTATION BETWEEN SNIPER AND POLICE SWAT TEAM (SPECIAL WEAPONS ASSAULT) LEADS TO APPREHENSION AND ARREST. PRIOR TO TRIAL, PROSECUTOR REQUESTS HEARING TO DETERMINE COMPETENCY OF DEFENDANT TO STAND TRIAL. FILM INCLUDES DISCUSSION OF WHY PROSECUTOR RAISES THE ISSUE. KEY ISSUE IS WHETHER DEFENDANT IS CAPABLE OF UNDERSTANDING CHARGES AND ASSISTING IN HIS DEFENSE. PROSECUTOR USES EXPERT WITNESS TO SHOW ACUTE SCHIZOID DIAGNOSIS. VARIOUS FORMS OF INCOMPETENCY PROCEEDINGS ARE DISCUSSED. DEFENSE PROBES AMOUNT OF TIME PSYCHIATRIST DEVOTED TO HIS EXAMINATIONS; ABILITY OF DEFENDANT TO UNDERSTAND CHARGES EVEN THOUGH HE MAY BE CLINICALLY INSANE; PROSECUTOR CLARIFIES TECHNICAL POINTS ON REDIRECT AND JUDGE DECLARES DEFENDANT INCOMPETENT. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT)