Question

A defendant charged with driving while intoxicated pleaded not guilty and insisted on a trial. Right before the trial began, he fired his attorney and decided to defend himself. At one point during opening arguments, the defendant began to act like a cat, meowing and chasing an imaginary squirrel out of the courtroom. If no one else raises the issue of the defendant’s competency to stand trial, what is the responsibility of the trial judge here?

Answer 1

Answer: The trial judge must raise the issue of competence because the Constitution obligates her to do so.

Explanation:

When a trial starts, it must be verified that the offender has the psychological competence to understand why he is being accused, or to respond to the crime that is accused. Therefore, in the case of suspecting that the accused has psychological problems, it is the responsibility of the judge to request a psychological and psychiatric evaluation before continuing with the trial.

I hope this information can help you.

Answer 2

Answer:

Correction option is D

Explanation:

The trial judge must raise the issue of competence because the Constitution obligates her to do so.

When a trial starts, it must be verified that the offender has the psychological competence to understand why he is being accused, or to respond to the crime that is accused. Therefore, in the case of suspecting that the accused has psychological problems, it is the responsibility of the judge to request a psychological and psychiatric evaluation before continuing with the trial.