Difference between revisions of "Competence"

Revision as of 20:02, 22 March 2014

Introduction

Competence is a legal or forensic term used to describe mental/psychological/intellectual fitness of an individual, particularly as it relates to legal proceedings.

• Competency to stand trial exists when an individual has basic understanding of court proceedings and can participate in his/her defense.
• Competence to be executed is another example.

If a defendant is found to be incompetent, the case against him/her may be dismissed (indefinitely or until competence can be re-established). A witness lacking competence cannot testify.

Competence evaluation usually done by a forensic psychiatrist or psychologist.

Juvenile Competency to Stand Trial

An adolescent may be determined to lack competency to stand trial, if a forensic evaluation shows that
1) the youth has an impairment in competency (i.e. inability to understand basic court proceedings, participate in own defense)
....AND
2) impairment in competence is caused by one or more of the following:

• mental illness
• intellectual disability
• developmental immaturity.

A finding of youth's incompetence to stand trial usually leads to the legal proceedings being suspended. Efforts can be made to help the youth attain competence (psychiatric treatment, education about legal system). In some cases, particularly if the crime is a minor one, the case may be dismissed.

Reference

Bath, E. Gerring, J. National Trends in Juvenile Competency to Stand Trial. JAACAP 53:3, 2014

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