Abstract
Individuals with mental retardation have impairments in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior. These impairments can affect trial-related competencies during criminal proceedings. Problems can arise at three stages of criminal proceedings: confession and waiver, proceeding to trial, and functioning at trial. The authors review the effects of mental retardation on general functioning and the potential trial-related consequences of these impairments. A companion paper provides guidance for detecting mental retardation during forensic evaluations.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.