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Abstract: 

Being mentally ill does not necessarily mean a criminal defendant is also not competent to be tried. The standard question is whether he had a sufficient present ability to consult with and assist his counsel with the present charges. Fitness for trial and trial competency are actually synonyms. United States v. Wessel, 2 F.4th 1043 (7th Cir. 2021), is a fascinating case evolving around a defendants long history of anti-social conduct and multiple trips through various mental health diagnoses and treatments.

Keywords: Trial Competency; United States v. Wessel

Affiliations:  1: Executive Editor.