Opinion ID: 1297518
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Remedy and Procedures

Text: Upon the issuance of an Order for Execution by this Court, the defendant or his/her guardian may apply for subsequent Post Conviction Relief on the basis of competency, pursuant to S.C.Code Ann. § 17-27-20(a)(6) (1985). At the evidentiary hearing, the applicant, through competent evidence or expert testimony, must show by a preponderance of the evidence that he or she lacks the requisite competency for execution. If the PCR court finds the applicant incompetent in accordance with the standard adopted in this opinion, then the appropriate remedy is to issue a temporary stay of execution pending a mandatory review by this Court. Once the defendant is found incompetent and the stay of execution is affirmed by this Court, the burden necessarily shifts to the State to move for a hearing upon the defendant's return to competency. At this subsequent hearing, the State must show by a preponderance of the evidence that the defendant is competent to be executed. If the State establishes competency, then the PCR court may lift the previous stay of execution subject to the review of this Court.