Document: 420 U.S. 162 95 S.Ct. 896 43 L.Ed.2d 103 James Edward DROPE, Petitioner,v.State of MISSOURI. No. 73—6038. Argued Nov. 13, 1974. Decided Feb. 19, 1975. Syllabus In 1969 petitioner was indicted, with two others, for rape petitioner's wife. Following severance case, he filed a motion continuance so that might be further examined and receive psychiatric treatment, attaching thereto the report psychiatrist who had him at his counsel's request suggested such treatment. The denied case proceeded to trial. Petitioner's wife testified, repeating confirming information concerning 'strange behavior' which contained in stating she changed her mind about not wanting prosecute because tried kill on Sunday prior On second day trial shot himself suicide attempt hospitalized, but despite absence court mistrial ground voluntary, continued. jury returned guilty verdict sentenced life imprisonment. His new trial, asserting erred proceeding when no evidence produced denied, finding again voluntary. Missouri Supreme Court affirmed, sustaining also holding court's denial an abuse discretion. Subsequently, vacate conviction sentence, alleging, inter alia, constitutional rights been violated by failure order pretrial examination completing absence, denied. Appeals neither attached nor wife's testimony raised reasonable doubt fitness proceed, did create competence as matter law, failed demonstrate inadequacy procedures employed protecting rights. held voluntary clearly erroneous. Held: 1. courts accord proper weight suggesting incompetence. When considered together available created sufficient stand require inquiry. Pp. 178-181. 2. Whatever relationship between mental illness incompetence this bearing former latter sufficiently likely that, light behavior including attempt, there being opportunity without presence evaluate fact, correct course suspend until evaluation could made. 181-182. 3. Assuming right present one waived, insufficient inquiry afford basis deciding issue waiver. P. 182. 4. due process would adequately protected remanding determine whether fact competent 1969, State is free retry him, assuming time tried. 183. 498 S.W.2d 838, reversed remanded. Thomas C. Walsh. St. Louis, Mo., petitioner. Neil MacFarlane, Columbia, respondent. Mr. Chief Justice BURGER delivered opinion Court. 1 We granted certiorari consider claims deprived law respect conduct portion indictment charging capital offense. 2 * February Circuit others forcible from those other defendants continuance, May 27 counsel September, Treatment whose motion.1 same date respondent, through Assistant Attorney, document oppose examination. Apparently action taken motion, continued June 23, objected understood September consequently prepared. He 'for reason defendant person sound should have before forced trial.' App. 19. judge noted form although agreed file another, do so, overruled objections directed proceed 3 24 empaneled, prosecution called its first witness. She testified participated four acquaintances forcibly raping subjecting bizarre indignities, resumed living after incident advice their children care of. cross-examination, told attorney belief husband sick needed these reasons signed statement disavowing desire prosecute. related several occasions 'get way or [was] worried something,' roll down stairs. explain only relating 'what they many times City Hospital, something does upon [sic].' Id., 47. However, stated convinced talking psychiatrist, because, 'tried choke me, me' evening 52. 4 three more witnesses, conclude adjournment 24. following morning, appear. moved 'in view defendant, I am informed, morning.' 63. already decided complained difficulty client, replied brought petitioner, bond responsibility present. then witnesses and, producing proof conviction,2 rested case. 'Motion Verdict Acquittal,' effect renewal mistrial, 'no produce under circumstances.' 64. guilty, July 21, hospital weeks recovering bullet wound abdomen, appeared, fixed penalty 5 Petitioner burden A hearing presided 25 gone brother's house remembered nothing shooting except felt burning pain stomach later woke up hospital. remember anyone presented admission "some problem law," id., 90, policeman 'he supposed go rape, didn't it; rather [sic] dead than do.' 97. motion. Stating morning appear received telephone checked hospital, concluded showing found "was own act himself; done very purpose avoiding trial." 103. 6 accepting finding, ruling voluntary,3 logical basis' posting different rule waiver cases4 applies felony cases generally. 462 677, 683—684. procure discretion, noting contend lacked capacity 7 April 1971 judgment sentence where imposed, pursuant Rule 27.26, V.A.M.S.5 alleged Mo.Rev.Stat. § 552.020(2) (1969), V.A.M.S.6 conducting conclusion absence. asserted effective assistance counsel, claim us. 8 motion; psychiatrists witnesses. cause believe attempted commit midst mentally understand proceedings against him. Another duties included accused persons c. 552, man charged during need find out condition, assist defense 'malingering it intentionally if true disorder.' 156. Hospital 1965 problems care. took stand, previous shooting. 9 1972 sentencing 27.26 affirmed. provisions examinations hearings 552.020 (1969) comported requirements Pate v. Robinson, 383 375, 86 836, 15 815 (1966), test Dusky United States, 362 402, 80 788, 824 (1960).7 It reasoned necessary examine indicia 'at times—before 842. 10 As situation raise proceed. Turning period, 'during attempt,' supra, S. involved followed hearing, immediately thereafter. With regard period contention 'bona fide suicide,' legal significance Robinson evaluated resort 26.27 judge. rights, erroneous.8 11 Finally, rejected absence; upheld direct appeal psychiatrists' meet placed 'Again we cannot hold erroneous.' S.W.,2d, 843. certiorari, now reverse. II 12 has long accepted condition lacks nature object consult preparing may subjected Thus, Blackstone wrote became 'mad' commission offense arraigned 'because able plead caution ought.' Similarly, pleading, tried, how can make defense?' W. Commentaries,* See Youtsey 97 F. 937, 940—946 (CA6 1899). Some viewed common-law prohibition 'as by-product ban trials absentia; incompetent though physically courtroom, reality afforded defend himself.' Foote, Comment Pre-Trial Commitment Criminal Defendants, 108 U.Pa.L.Rev. 832, 834 (1960). Cunningham, 313 F.2d 934, 938 (CA4 1963). For our purposes, suffices note fundamental adversary system justice. generally Note, Incompetency Stand Trial, 81 Harv.L.Rev. 455, 457—459 (1967). Accordingly, federal cases, approved seeks ascertain criminal "has ability lawyer degree rational understanding—and well factual understanding him." U.S., 824. 13 observe adequate protect defendant's convicted while deprives fair Although Illinois 'jealously guard(ed) right,' 385, 842, state invoke statutory into which, facts constitutionally entitled. procedure prescribed Ill.Rev.Stat., 38, 104—2 (1963), mandated, central discussion procedure, followed, adequate. See, e.g., States Knohl, 379 427, 434—435 (CA2), cert. 389 973, 88 471, 19 465 (1967); ex rel. Evans LaVallee, 446 782, 785—786 (CA2 1971), 404 1020, 92 691, 30 668 (1972). Nor prescribe general standard quantum procedure.9 Rather, statute required doubt' competence, 'that introduced Robinson's behalf entitled issue.' Marshall, 458 446, 450 1972). 14 Missouri's scheme guards' Rev.Stat. 552.020(1) V.A.M.S., provides: 'No result disease defect shall incapacity endures.' Section 552.020(2), see n. 6, provides magistrate shall, 'upon accused,' whenever 'has excluding proceed.' 552.020(3) prescribes contents examination, 552.030(6) requires relative contested. addition, Such is, face, legally incompetent. Our task were consistent At outset are met respondent's argument bound 'limitations under' 27.26. Brief Respondent 23. Specifically, respondent notes 27.26(f) 'the establishing grounds relief preponderance evidence,' appellate-review function limited 27.26(j) 'to determination findings, conclusions (were) urges 'designed . provide valuable post-conviction remedy another .,' expresses concern state-federal remain balance.' 22. 16 share balance, question State's power, proceedings, reallocate respective burdens individual delimit scope appellate review. Cf. Hawk Olson, 326 271, 279, 66 116, 120, 90 L.Ed. 61 (1945); Conner Wingo, 429 630, 637 639 1970). 'ordinarily used substitute involving mere errors appeal,' nevertheless 'trial affecting even error appeal.' Mo.Sup.Ct. 27.26(b)(3). 17 dispute possibly relevant concerns inferences drawn undisputed whether, what known, circumstances 'incumbent us analyze appropriate enforcement assured.' Norris Alabama, 294 587, 590, 55 579, 580, 79 1074 (1935).10 'When corrective provided error, relation violation, creeps record, review proceedings.' 276, 119. III 18 contain Both mentioned aspects impressions 'any delusions, illusions, hallucinations 'well oriented all spheres,' 'was able, trouble, answer questions testing judgement,' contrary data. showed cooperative 'had participating well,' difficult relating,' markedly circumstantial irrelevant speech.' episodic irrational acts described psychiatrist's diagnoses '(b)orderline deficiency' '(c)hronic (a)nxiety reaction depression' inquiry.11 examining asked address medical specifically distinguished emotional surprising centers properly report. Even focus recognized uncertainty diagnosis field tentativeness professional judgment.' Greenwood 350 366, 76 410, 415, 100 412 (1956). Here rendered issue, each governed distinct rules reflecting quite policies. Jackson Indiana, 406 715, 739, 1845, 1858, 32 435 (1972); 388—389, 843—844, (Harlan, J., dissenting); Weihofen, Definition Mental Illness, 21 Ohio St.L.J. 20 Like itself, suggest sought resolved. While expressed 384, 841, judges must depend some extent bring issues focus. somewhat inartfully probably fell short regard. constrained disagree trial,' trial.12 This tended blur aspect bear stage, obvious advantages hindsight, seems been, least, better practice immediate Mo.Rev.Code (1969).13 unnecessary decide known since settled events. IV failing show acted manner competence. wife, repeated confirmed given little weight.14 judge, relying take know indicates poor judgment,' 203, 'fact Drope avoid suggests strongly awareness going on.' 208. Appeals, arguendo 'a bona refused creates movant's competency 222. 22 Notwithstanding making evaluations kind circumstances, record reveals give came particularly context events surrounding background showing. demeanor obviate extensive reliance prediction capabilities,' Harv.L.Rev., 469, 385—386, 'this reasoning offers justification ignoring uncontradicted (a) history pronounced behavior.' mean approximated evidence. Too death. fate depended large measure indulgence hesitated pressing prosecution, hardly regarded conduct.15 Moreover, considering separately, gave attention aggregate applying objective V.A.M.S. Appeals' law. evaluation, 'did alone.' Moore 464 663, 666 (CA9 question. 23 import decision behavior, any determining required, factors standing alone may, sufficient. There are, course, immutable signs invariably indicate proceed; often wide range manifestations subtle nuances implicated. That varying opinions trained entertain facts. Here, weaker 9, supra. throughout trial; absent crucial bears analysis ways: first, substantial instability contemporaneous 389, S.Ct., 844 dissenting);16 second, longer gauge cooperate commencement always alert change render unable standards made.17 aborted hard reality, fail avoided prompt V 26 resolution makes contends, impermissible remainder enforced self-inflicted wound. Diaz 223 442, 445, 250, 251, 56 500 (1912). said clear Westbrook Arizona, 384 150, 1320, (1966); Silva, 418 328 1969). mandated permissible defer completed. advantages, least implemented dispatch. 469; Hansford 127 U.S.App.D.C. 359, 360, 311, 312 (1966) (rehearing en banc denied) (statement Leventhal, J.); 741, 1859, 435. critical stage approximately months informed either effectively waive 28 remains aimed 1969. Given inherent difficulties nunc pro tunc most favorable 386 387, 842—843, 815; 403, 789, here. F.2d, 639—640. assuming, 29 reversed, remanded inconsistent opinion. Reversed recites: 'Comes Defendant, JAMES E. states made Dr. Joseph Shuman, M.D., copy hereto. 'Defendant moves continue ,1969 Examination, Evaluation Malcomb Bliss Missouri.' 7. report, letter attorney, 20, section 'Past Medical History' describes 'markedly agitated upset,' 'appeared well.' continues: 'The patient relating. speech .. sign hallucinations, obsessions, ideas reference, compulsions phobias time. 'In simple IQ exam achieve score low normal spheres. much few abstractions judgment. doing counting calculation problems.' recounts details conversation admitted left number sexual perversions falling flights stairs, gain sympathy her. 'Impression,' 'always led marginal existence,' 'history anti-social conduct,' 'strong psychosis time.' concludes 'certainly needs aid psychiatrist,' 'is neurotic depressed perhaps time,' diagnoses: '(1) Sociopathic personality disorder, perversion. (2) Borderline deficiency. (3) Chronic Anxiety depression.' 11—12. offender 556.280 having 1958 second-degree burglary 'stealing.' stated: 'We record' voluntarily absented himself. fully disclosed. bond, appointed time, presumed established otherwise.' 681 (1971). punishable death 559.260 waived penalty. petition writ habeas corpus previously District Eastern dismissed prejudice 1, 1971, exhaust remedies. U.S.C. §§ 2254(b)—(c). Subdivision pertinent part: 'Whenever accused, appoint private physicians superintendent facility division diseases whom designate.' delineates reports examinations, subdivision '(T)he 'test Under 'prisoner evidence.' Appellate discussing adduced did, however, factor it, notwithstanding stipulated knew charges before. infra, 180-181. 'But 'issue fact' coat colors. cover uncontroverted happenings, incorporates criteria themselves decisive criteria, measured provisions, applications, Court's adjudication. Especially arising Due Process Clause important distinguish here foreclosed cast determinations sits.' Watts 338 49, 51 69 1347, 1348, 93 1801 (1949) (opinion Frankfurter, J.). Culombe Connecticut, 367 568, 605, 1860, 1880, 1037 (1961) determined offered, '(s)ociopathic perversion,' excluded 'mental defect' 552.010 (1969). colloquy 'could summer ready else eliminate September.' 17. (Emphasis added.) observed 'motions merely delay, 'estimated almost seventy-five percent sent competent.' 202. not, accept lawyer's representations Rizzi Follette, 559, 561 1966), closest contact defendant,' 391, 845 dissenting), unquestionably considered. early best serves both interests fairness, Peyton Rowe, 391 54, 62, 1549, 1553, 426 (1968), judicial administration. Panel Recognizing Determining Compentency Trial—Insanity Defense, Institutes Sentencing, 37 F.R.D. 111, 155, 161 (D.C.1964). Realization prompted practice, court, 'of Attorney consent merit looking further.' 206. noted: 'She testify 'And you tell me your care?' 'Yes.' disputes trouble accompanied physical force inability proceedings. recitation layman base insane rolled steps occurred over eight nine ten years.' 201. dealt insofar evaluation. feelings 'bore perversions—not competency,' stairs episodes 'demonstrate(d) pique anything.' S.W.2d, appears 546.260 compelled Dunbar, 360 Mo. 230 (1950). Mrs. Drope's consultations Hospital. will recalled, assume, fide' than, malingering. regard, hearsay possession intent part himself, near vital organs Of recognize empirical suicide' attempts uncertain signal 'an perceive accurately, logically plans carry them organized fashion.' Greenberg, Involuntary Psychiatric Commitments Prevent Suicide, 49 N.Y.U.L.Rev. 227, 234, 236 (1974). Pokorny, Myths Suicidal Behaviors 64—65 (H. Resnik ed. 1968). reaching relied agree

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