Opinion ID: 2385106
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Defense Of Mental Disease Or Defect

Text: Appellant contends the trial court failed to substantially comply with Ark.Code Ann. § 5-2-305 (1987), which outlines the procedures to be followed when the defense of mental disease or defect is raised. He argues that while a psychologist was appointed to evaluate his mental condition, Section (b)(1)(A) requires an evaluation by a psychiatrist. That section reads: (b)(1) Upon suspension of further proceedings in the prosecution, the court shall enter an order: (A) Directing that the defendant undergo examination and observation by one or more psychiatrists at a local regional mental health center. A licensed psychologist at a mental health center who has successfully completed a forensic certification course approved by the Department of Human Services may also be directed to conduct an examination on mental condition; The trial court ordered Dr. Sam Boyd, a certified forensic psychologist with the Psychological Clinic in Conway, Arkansas, to interview and evaluate appellant. Appellant argues that under Section (b)(1)(A) an examination by a psychiatrist is required because the statute is not in the disjunctive and does not offer an alternative between a psychiatrist and a psychologist. We find no objection below on this point, and note that in Hubbard v. State, 306 Ark. 153, 812 S.W.2d 107 (1991), we held the appointment of a psychiatrist was not required under § 5-2-305. We noted that under Ball v. State, 278 Ark. 423, 646 S.W.2d 693 (1983), substantial compliance with this statute was sufficient and that an evaluation by a psychologist was enough. Appellant also maintains his evaluation under the statute was not in compliance with Ake v. Oklahoma, 470 U.S. 68, 105 S.Ct. 1087, 84 L.Ed.2d 53 (1985), because he was denied a request for an independent psychological examination. We do not equate the argument with that made in Starr v. A.L. Lockhart, 23 F.3d 1280 (8th Cir.1994). [1] In Starr the defendant, who was appealing from a death sentence, was mentally retarded, requested assistance under Ake to assist in evaluation, preparation and presentation of the defense. The court found that under Ake the defendant should receive the help of the expert to function as a basic tool in defending his case. Here, appellant's request was not for help by defense preparation, but rather, for a second evaluation by a psychiatrist. We have held numerous times that an evaluation as was done here does not require a second opinion. Branscomb v. State, 299 Ark. 482, 774 S.W.2d 426 (1989); See v. State, 296 Ark. 498, 757 S.W.2d 947 (1988). Appellant has referred to no facts nor made any argument that would distinguish this case from those such as Branscomb and See . Appellant urges that under § 5-2-305(a)(2) the trial court is obliged to suspend further proceedings when fitness to proceed has been put into question. The point was not raised below and is waived on appeal.