Adolescents' Competence to Stand Trial: Justice for Disabled and Immature Youths

Abstract

With oversight by the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health, clinicians in juvenile court clinics throughout the Commonwealth perform evaluations in delinquency cases at the request of judges and attorneys. One type of evaluation they are frequently asked to perform pertains to juveniles’ competence to stand trial (CST). CST refers to a defendant’s capacity to understand the trial process, to assist one’s attorney in a defense, and to be able to make decisions (for example, how to plead, and whether to waive or claim various constitutional rights). Often youths and adults lack CST capacities due to the effects of mental disorders or mental retardation. Our justice system recognizes that it is unfair to try adolescents or adults when their disabilities jeopardize meaningful participation in their defense.