PSY BEH 102C Lecture 35: Week 10b
Document Summary
Goal is to determine if defendant has ability to consult with lawyer and understands proceedings against him. 70-90% of defendants evaluated found to be competent. Those found incompetent usually have serious mental illnesses (e. g. schizophrenia) If charges are serious, defendant may be sent to institution for treatment to restore competence (can last up to 4-6 months) Most defendants become competent with psychotropic meds and return to jail to await trial. If still not competent, defendant may be evaluated for civil commitment. Not guilty by reason of insanity (ngri) Suffering from serious mental disease or detect at time of crime and. Lacked capacity to understand criminality or wrongfulness. Or could not regulate behavior according to law. Expert witnesses (e. g. , psychologists) can"t give opinion as to whether defendant is sane or insane. Can only testify to symptoms, behaviors, diagnoses. If found ngri, hospitalized until no longer mentally ill and not dangerous.