PA Competency System in Crisis, Says Recent State Report

System for determining if someone is mentally fit for trial in Pa. is in crisis, new report finds

The study found the mentally ill are swept up by low-level criminal offenses and kept in state hospitals too long, confirming a past Spotlight PA report.

PA competency system in crisis, says recent state report

Pennsylvania’s competency system is in crisis, according to a recent state-backed study. The state’s competency restoration system is part of the criminal justice process. If someone is charged with a crime, but because of a serious mental illness or other cognitive issue cannot understand their legal situation enough to aid in their own defense, a judge may find them “incompetent” to stand trial. These people must undergo competency restoration…

System for Determining If Someone Is Mentally Fit for Trial in Pa. Is In Crisis, New Report Finds

Pennsylvania’s competency system is in crisis, according to a recent state-backed study. Article by Danielle Ohl of Spotlight PA The state’s competency restoration system is part of the criminal justice process. If someone is charged with a crime, but because of a serious mental illness or other cognitive issue cannot understand their legal situation enough to aid in their own defense, a judge may find them “incompetent” to stand trial. These p…

System For Determining If Someone Is Mentally Fit For Trial In Crisis, Report Finds

The study found the mentally ill are swept up by low-level criminal offenses and kept in state hospitals too long, confirming a past Spotlight PA report.

System for Determining if Someone Is Mentally Fit for Trial in Pa. Is in Crisis, New Report Finds

Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan and nonprofit newsroom producing investigative and public-service journalism that holds power to account and drives positive change in Pennsylvania. Sign up for our free newsletters. Pennsylvania’s competency system is in crisis, according to a recent state-backed study. The state’s competency restoration system is part of the criminal justice process. If someone is charged with a crime, but because of…