Factors Affecting Referral to Determine Competency to Stand Trial
GERALD COOKE PH.D.1,
NORMAN JOHNSTON M.A.2, , and
ERIC POGANY 3
1 Psychological Consultant, Center for Forensic Psychiatry, Box 2060, Ann Arbor, Mich. 48106 and Assistant Professor of Psychology at Wayne State University, Detroit, Mich.
2 Research Psychologist, Center for Forensic Psychiatry, Box 2060, Ann Arbor, Mich. 48106 and Associate Director of Administrative Services at Yorkwood Center and Lecturer of Psychology in Nursing at the University of Michigan
3 Forensic Coordinator, Center for Forensic Psychiatry, Box 2060, Ann Arbor, Mich. 48106
Prior research has suggested that the competency referral has often been utilized for purposes other than evaluation of the defendant's mental competency to stand trial. This study, which analyzed referral rates in terms of differential arrest rates by crime and by geographical areas, provides more substantial findings on the factors affecting competency referrals. Proximity to evaluation facilities and knowledge concerning the use of competency evaluation laws were among the identified factors.
