Evaluation of Competency to Stand Trial: Frequency of Repeated Referrals

Abstract

The rate at which criminal defendants are referred for evaluation of competency to stand trial and the frequency at which those defendants had prior referrals for similar exams are reported. The rate of repeated referrals is quite high. One-third of the defendants had prior referrals during one calendar year, and over half had prior referrals during the 12-year period covered by the clinic's files. Possible reasons for such repetitive referrals are examined.