MacArthur Competence Assessment Tool-Criminal

The MacArthur Competence Assessment Tool-Criminal (MacCAT-CA) is a structured interview used by mental health professionals to evaluate a person's ability to understand and participate in legal proceedings. It assesses skills such as understanding the charges, making informed decisions about plea bargains, and appreciating the consequences of their actions. The tool helps determine if a defendant has the mental capacity to be legally competent, ensuring they can engage meaningfully in their defense. It provides a standardized way to assess cognitive and decisional abilities relevant to criminal cases.