Assessment and conceptualization of competency to stand trial: Preliminary data on the Interdisciplinary Fitness Interview.

• DOI: 10.1007/bf01044699
• Publication Date: 2005-01-28T12:09:49Z
• Authors: Stephen L. Golding; Ronald Roesch; Jan Schreiber
• Keywords: Legal psychology; Metatheory

Based on an examination of current methods used to define and assess a defendant's competency stand trial, the authors propose assessment research instrument, referred as Interdisciplinary Fitness Interview (IFI). The IFI is structured interview rating scale designed take into account both legal mental health issues, calls for interdisciplinary approach competency. purpose present study was provide preliminary reliability validity data use in one jurisdiction. results are discussed terms policy implications development evaluating with brief screening interviews less restrictive settings.