Opinion ID: 1095355
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: whether the jury was erroneously instructed as to the burden of proof in a competency hearing?

Text: Under this assignment of error, Griffin contends that the jury was erroneously instructed as to the burden of proof in a competency hearing. The essence of his argument though is that there is no particular standard of proof that the State is required to prove competency by. He argues that the State should be required to prove by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant was incompetent to stand trial. As such, he argues that instruction Nos. 1 and 2 were erroneous because they set the same standard of proof for each party. Griffin's argument fails for at least two reasons. First, he failed to make a specific objection at trial to any of the instructions given by the trial judge. Rule 42 of the Mississippi Supreme Court Rules specifically provides that unless a specific objection is made at trial to a particular instruction, such an assignment of error will not be considered on appeal by this court. See Miss.Sup.Ct. Rule 42. Griffin's failure to object at trial thereby bars review of this alleged error. Secondly, the basic procedure for trial courts to follow in determining whether or not an accused is competent to stand trial is set forth in Emanuel v. State, 412 So.2d 1187 (Miss. 1982). Such procedures used in State courts to determine the competency of a criminal defendant have been approved by the United States Supreme Court. See Drope v. Missouri, 420 U.S. 162, 174, 95 S.Ct. 896, 905, 43 L.Ed.2d 103 (1975). Further, the prosecution at the federal level is required to prove the competency of a criminal defendant by a preponderance of the evidence. See United States v. Makris, 535 F.2d 899 (5th Cir.1976). We see no reason for imposing a greater burden on state officials, especially in light of the fact that our procedures for determining competency are specifically designed to afford the accused due process of law and to ensure that he is capable of making a rational defense prior to being tried for the crime for which he is accused. See Emanuel v. State, 412 So.2d 1187 (Miss. 1982). Accordingly, we find no merit in Griffin's argument that the State should be required to prove competency beyond a reasonable doubt or by clear and convincing evidence. Thus, after reviewing the evidence and the record, we find no prejudicial error which denied Griffin due process or rendered his competency hearing unfair and in violation of the State and Federal Constitutions. Therefore, we affirm the finding of the jury that Griffin was competent to stand trial.