Dusky v. United States

Dusky v. United States is a landmark Supreme Court case from 1960 that established the standard for determining whether a defendant is competent to stand trial. The Court ruled that a defendant must have a rational understanding of the legal proceedings and be able to assist their lawyer in their defense. This case emphasized the importance of mental competency, ensuring that individuals with mental health issues cannot be tried unless they comprehend the charges against them and can participate meaningfully in their defense. It set a precedent for evaluating a defendant's mental fitness in criminal cases.