Judges and attorneys packed the Library’s lecture hall on Tuesday, May 26, 2015 to learn about the complex issues of competency and responsibility from legal and medical experts. “Assessing Competency and Responsibility in Criminal Cases,” featuring Hon. Thomas A. Connors, Superior Court (Chair); Hon. Robert C. Cosgrove, Superior Court, Hon. Kenneth J. Fishman, Superior Court; Debra A. Pinals, M.D., Assistant Commissioner, Forensic Services, Department of Mental Health, explored the intricacies of dealing with mental-health issues at both pre-trial and trial.
Through a series of lecture, video, and audience participation the competency issue came into focus. The panelists covered how judges address competency issues within the statutory framework, the practical considerations for defense counsel and prosecutors including the consequences of an incompetency finding, tactical considerations in trying cases where the defendant’s mental state is at issue, and how clinicians assess issues of competency and of assertion at trial of impaired mental capacity. The program’s written materials included relevant case law, comprehensive outlines, and copies of Power Point slides.
If you missed this program and are interested in purchasing an audio recording and a copy of the printed materials, please contact Andrew Hyland at (617) 226-1361 or ahyland@socialaw.com.
Visit www.socialaw.com/education to see a full list of upcoming Social Law CLE events!
