Opinion ID: 2822793
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Mr. Strong’s Trial

Text: Prior to his trial, Mr. Strong’s counsel requested an evaluation of Mr. Strong’s competency to stand trial under sections 522.020 and 522.030. The trial court appointed Dr. John Rabun who “attempted to evaluate Strong on two separate occasions, but Strong declined to be interviewed.” Strong III, 737 F.3d at 515. The court then ordered Mr. Strong admitted to the Fulton State Hospital for observation. Id. After two weeks of observation, Dr. Rabun concluded that Mr. Strong “had the capacity to know and appreciate the nature, quality, and wrongfulness of his conduct,” “had the capacity to form the intent as charged,” and did not have “any signs or symptoms to suggest [he] was mentally ill.” Id. at 515-16. Mr. Strong’s counsel discussed this report with Mr. Strong and his family but did not retain an independent doctor or mitigation specialist to further evaluate and investigate Mr. Strong’s mental condition and did not raise the issue of his mental health during the guilt or sentencing phase of Mr. Strong’s trial. Id. at 516, 519-20. 5