Competency Hearing
/kəmˈpɛtənsi ˈhɪərɪŋ/
Definitions
- (n.) A court proceeding to determine a defendant's mental capacity to stand trial or participate in legal proceedings.
The court scheduled a competency hearing to assess whether the accused could understand the charges against him.
Forms
- competency hearing
- competency hearings
Related terms
See also
Commentary
This hearing focuses solely on mental fitness to proceed and is distinct from assessments of criminal responsibility or insanity.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.