Legal Document

384 U.S. 312 86 Supreme Court Reporter 1505 16 United States Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 583 REESv.PEYTON. Number 321, Misc. May 31, 1966. S. White Rhyne, Jr., and Charles Atlantic Dukes, for petitioner. Reno Harp III, Asst. Atty. Gen. of Virginia, respondent. Monroe or Haw. Hawai‘i KFH45 A2 Freedman Melvin L. Wulf, the American Civil Liberties Union others, as amici curiae. PER CURIAM. 1 Following a related federal conviction life sentences kidnapping, versus Rees, D.C., 193 F.Supp. 849, Davis was convicted murder sentenced to death by state court in judgment affirmed on appeal 1962. Rees Commonwealth, 203 Va. 850, 127 South Eastern Reporter, 2nd 406, cert. denied, 372 964, 83 1088, 10 128. Thereafter, habeas corpus petition filed District alleging that had violated constitutional rights Rees. The rejected these claims, 225 507, Appeals Fourth Circuit affirmed, 341 Federal 859. With Rees' consent, his counsel then this June 23, 1965, present certiorari review Appeals' decision, is therefore properly before us disposition. 2 Nearly one month after been filed, directed withdraw forgo any further legal proceedings. Counsel advised he could not conscientiously accede instructions without psychiatric evaluation because evidence cast doubt mental competency. After letters from maintaining position, examined psychiatrist who detailed report concluding mentally incompetent. Psychiatrists selected State sought examine at prison found themselves thwarted lack cooperation, but expressed doubts insane. 3 Whether shall be allowed circumstances question which it ultimately responsibility determine, resolution competence prime importance. We have determined that, aid proper exercise Court's jurisdiction, proceeding commenced should upon due notice all other interested parties make judicial determination render matter us. While courses suggested, cf. Anderson Kentucky, 376 940, 84 795, 11 766, we think things considered initial step just indicated. Until has taken, do consider ourselves position determine what disposition made certiorari. 4 Accordingly, retain jurisdiction over cause direct posture things, is, whether capacity appreciate rational choice with respect continuing abandoning litigation hand suffering disease, disorder, defect may substantially affect premises. To end, will appropriate subject medical examinations and, so far necessary, temporary hospitalization purpose. Cf. 18 Code KF62 §§ 4244—4245 (1964 ed.). If wishes obtain additional inquiry examining its own facilities, foreclose such supplemental course action. hold hearings deems suitable, allowing participate they desire, findings conclusions convenient speed. 5 It ordered. 6 Jurisdiction retained directions Court.

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