Law’s Michael Benza outlines concept of a defendanrt being ruled incompetent to stand trial

Cleveland officer’s murder: What Delawnte Hardy’s mental state means for charges

Fox 8Michael Benza, professor of practice at the School of Law, outlined the concept behind a defendant being ruled incompetent to stand trial. “Competency is a focus on what does the defendant’s mental state allow him to process now,” Benza said. “Does the defendant understand the proceedings? Does he understand the courtroom? Does he understand the players? Second, can he assist his counsel in his defense?”