RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Competency to stand trial in preadjudicated and petitioned juvenile defendants
JF Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law Online
JO J Am Acad Psychiatry Law
FD American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law
SP 314
OP 320
VO 31
IS 3
A1 Baerger, DR
A1 Griffin, EF
A1 Lyons, JS
A1 Simmons, R
YR 2003
UL http://jaapl.org/content/31/3/314.abstract
AB As state legislatures across the United States continue to permit younger juvenile defendants to be tried in adult court, juvenile competence to stand trial has become an issue of increasing legal and forensic significance. This study examined competency to stand trial in a sample of preadjudicated and petitioned juvenile defendants. Results revealed that juveniles deemed unfit to stand trial were younger than their competent counterparts, had more severe special education needs, and had more extensive mental health treatment histories. These results are consistent with those of prior research in this area. Implications for treatment planning and system reform are discussed.