Opinion ID: 1831265
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: The defendant's capacity to testify relevantly is acceptable.

Text: At this time the defendant would not meet criteria for involuntary psychiatric hospitalization. With respect to the issue of sanity, I would conclude that the defendant was in the absence of any specific information to the contrary, sane and able to meet the test for criminal responsibility. With respect to the defendant's feelings about family members testifying in any sentencing phase if it were necessary, I can only state that the defendant's explanation does not appear to me to be irrational or bizarre. It may not be in his best interest at this time but the defendant might, if necessary, alter that opinion or view. I do not think individuals who make statements of this type, which appear to be somewhat less than in their best interest, should be viewed as necessarily impaired or dysfunctional mentally. It is not in my opinion a reflection of a major mental illness although it might reflect aspects of his personality which are not always operating to serve his best interest. Yours very truly, /s/ Sanford Jacobson, M.D. Psychiatrist SJ/ms