Opinion ID: 2633743
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 10

Heading: Broad Approach to Competency

Text: The jurisdictions taking the broad approach to competency hold that the alleged fugitive in an extradition proceeding must be sufficiently competent to have a rational as well as factual understanding of the proceedings in addition to the present ability to consult with his or her counsel. See Pruett v. Barry, 696 P.2d 789, 791-93 (Colo. 1985). This is the same standard mandated by the United States Supreme Court in the context of determining competency to stand trial. See Dusky, 362 U.S. at 402, 80 S.Ct. 788. Alaska's Kostic is one example of a case embracing the broad approach. See 522 P.2d at 539 (On remand the court shall make an express determination of whether appellant, as a result of mental disease, lacks the ability to aid his counsel and comprehend the nature of the habeas corpus-extradition proceedings with a reasonable degree of rational understanding.); see also, e.g., Hinnant, 424 Mass. at 907-08, 678 N.E.2d 1314; Kent, 133 Misc.2d at 508-11, 507 N.Y.S.2d 353.