Juvenile Incompetency to Stand Trial: can it be based on developmental immaturity?

On May 10th, 2007, the California Court of Appeal for the Third Appellate District addressed the longstanding question of whether juvenile respondents may be found incompetent to stand trial based upon age-related developmental immaturity, or whether such a finding must be predicated on a “mental disorder” or developmental disability. It is a decision that draws heavily on developmental research, due process, and criminal procedure. It is well worth the read for clinicians and attorneys who work in juvenile proceedings.

The decision can be found here: In re Timothy J..

Be sure to keep an eye out for future developments and decisions.

Thanks to Dr. Paul Mattuizzi for originally posting about this case.

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