Nice moment from the Supreme Court:
The standard for competence to stand trial, formulated in a 1960 Supreme Court decision, Dusky v. United States, is fairly basic. It requires that a defendant have “sufficient present ability to consult with lawyer with a reasonable degree of rational understanding” and a “rational as well as a factual understanding of the proceedings against him.”
Mr. Fisher, the Indiana solicitor general, said the standard for competency to represent oneself should require more, “that it is within the state’s authority to override this right where the defendant cannot communicate coherently with the court or the jury.”
To that, Justice Scalia responded: “Cannot communicate coherently? I sometimes think that the lawyers cannot communicate coherently.” — NY Times
Justice Scalia has a point. Of course, it’s helpful to remember that “communication” requires at least two entities.
Scalia is a jerk.
“Touche?” If you’re talking about Scalia, you spelled douche wrong.
Nice to see some humor, albeit sardonic, in the Supreme Court’s chambers. We’re looking forward to the day when we’re allowed back in, too.
Why do you all hate America?
I should know better than to start up — haven’t we seen this a million times before? — but it’s Friday afternoon and I have some time to kill before taking on the commuter wars….
So tell me, RW&B, just what is it in the post and thread you see here that makes you think anybody hates America?
Hang on…..prepare for the onslaught of stench and dung……….