Dusky v. United States (1959)
- Docket
- 504 MISC
- Decided
- 1959-01-01
Summary
Question: Does the right to due process encompass the right to a competency evaluation before a defendant stands trial? Conclusion: In a per curiam opinion, the Court granted the writ of certiorari. The court reasoned that to be competent to stand trial, a defendant must have a sufficient ability to rationally consult with his lawyer and a rational and factual understanding of the proceedings. The Court emphasized that a brief mental status exam was insufficient to pass constitutional muster. Dusky’s case was remanded for retrial.