Competence to Stand Trial

Policy Research is at the forefront of systems transformation in the area of competence to stand trial and competence restoration services for individuals in contact with the criminal justice system. Competence to stand trial is raised when justice-involved individuals exhibit signs or symptoms of conditions that can impair their ability to competently proceed with their criminal case. These individuals are sent for evaluation to assess their competence; this process can be drawn out. Furthermore, individuals who are found incompetent to stand trial are sometimes detained for extended periods, potentially leading to harmful outcomes. Due to the difficulty faced by many jurisdictions across the country to provide timely competence to stand trial/competence restoration services, the subject has drawn considerable interest. Many jurisdictions are seeking ways to improve this process and identify best practices.

The Competence to Stand Trial Microsite is a one-stop-shop for competence to stand trial/competence restoration resources, research, and useful tools. The materials provided in the Competence to Stand Trial Microsite may help jurisdictions improve outcomes for individuals for whom competence is raised and the jurisdictions that serve them. This microsite includes tools, publications, and an assessment of PRA’s work providing technical assistance to diversion services programs in Washington State after the Trueblood class-action lawsuit settlement.