Evaluations of competence to stand trial are evolving amid a national “competency crisis”

• Published in: Behavioral sciences & the law Vol. 41; no. 5; pp. 310 - 325
• Main Authors: Murrie, Daniel C., Gowensmith, W. Neil, Kois, Lauren E., Packer, Ira K.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01.09.2023
• Subjects: Court orders; Crises; Evolution; Hospitalization; Mental competency; Restoration; Urgency; competence to stand trial; competence evaluation; competence restoration; competency crisis; forensic assessment

Across the United States, court orders for competence to stand trial (CST) evaluations and competence restoration services have been increasing much more rapidly than states can provide these services, prompting what has been called a national “competency crisis.” The challenge in providing timely c...