Court Opinion

ID: 9712741
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-26 04:59:06.150054+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:23:14.094361
License: Public Domain

Otis, Justice
(concurring).
In my opinion this decision turns on the fact that petitioner’s own observations and investigation persuaded him he was guilty of the offense charged. He testified that when he regained his memory he discovered he was “pretty much cut up,” presumably as a result of the victim’s breaking a bottle over his head, and that he found his house tom up following the event. Defendant’s amnesia does not preclude his having entertained a criminal intent at the time the offense was committed. It merely prevents his recalling such intent. Except in a capital offense, under the circumstances stated, a defendant should not be required to go to trial if he is mentally competent and has satisfied himself after careful inquiry that he is actually guilty.