PSY6920 Week 5 Discussion 1
docx
keyboard_arrow_up
School
Capella University *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
6920
Subject
Law
Date
Feb 20, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
2
Uploaded by CorporalSnow13421
In New Jersey, the standards for competency to stand trial include no one who has no capacity to comprehend the proceedings against him or to assist in his own defense shall be tried, convicted or sentenced for the commission of any offense so long as such incapacity endures. Anyone wanting to stand trial should be mentally competent to stand trial on criminal charges. In Cooper v. Oklahoma, 517 U.S. 348 (1996), Oklahoma law states that a defendant is declared competent to stand trial UNLESS a defendant can prove he is not able by the “second highest legal standard of proof” that is valid and accurate evidence (United States Supreme Court, 517 U.S. 348 (1996). Byron Cooper states that Oklahoma’s law to prove incompetence violates his due-process rights under the 14
th
amendment. Cooper was charged of first-degree murder and given a death sentence. Cooper’s competency multiple concerns throughout the court trials due to the judge had found Cooper unable to stand trial at the very beginning but after Cooper was committed for a while, the judge found he was actually competent. In Riggins v. Nevada, 524 U.S. 127 (1992), this case became well known as the “landmark U.S. Supreme Court case,” in interest to the issue of a mentally incompetent defendant being required,
or forced, to take antipsychotic medication while they are still on trial. Paul Riggins was on a trial for murder and robbery, and he had stated that he was hearing voices and has difficulty sleeping, he was prescribed by a doctor an antipsychotic by a psychiatrist. Riggins then argued that using this medication was altering his freedom because the meds affected his mental state during the trial and could affect his chance for an insanity defense. The court denied the argument in regards to the antipsychotic medication Riggins was taking. Riggins then went on
through the trial taking said medication and still pleading the insanity defense but he was convicted anyways and given the death penalty. FindLaw.com - New Jersey Statutes Title 2C. The New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice 2C § 4-4
- last updated February 19, 2021 | https://codes.findlaw.com/nj/title-2c-the-new-jersey-code-of-
criminal-justice/nj-st-sect-2c-4-4/
United States Supreme Court (1996). Cooper v. Oklahoma 517 U.S. 348 Riggins v. Nevada, 504 U.S. 127 (1992)
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help