Competency in Criminal Cases Training Series

A three-part webinar series co-sponsored by the National Center for State Courts provides insight and recommendations on how to make improvements in competency to stand trial systems and focus on (1) understanding current laws, cases, and issues; (2) competency process improvements; and (3) competency alternatives. This is followed by additional training on defense lawyer-specific issues.

◄  Back to all resources on competency

  • Part I: Competency and Restoration Reimagined from Practice to Possibility: Level Setting (9/2025)
  • Part II: Competency and Restoration Reimagined from Practice to Possibility: Competency Process Improvements (10/2025)
  • Stay tuned for registration details for the next session!

Competency and Restoration Reimagined from Practice to Possibility: Level Setting (Sept. 10, 2025)

This webinar provides an overview of the competency to stand trial system including current laws, current issues, and current lawsuits. This knowledge will provide a foundation for evaluating your jurisdiction’s current competency to stand trial system. A new resource outlining the latest in legislative developments related to competency around the country is also presented.

Presented by:
  • Susan McMahon, Professor of Lawyering Skills, University of California, Irvine
  • Richard Schwermer, Court Consultant, National Center for State Courts
  • Debra A. Pinals, MD, Director, Program in Psychiatry, Law and Ethics; Adjunct Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School; Clinical Adjunct Professor, University of Michigan Law School; Senior Medical and Forensic Advisor and Editor-in-Chief, National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors (NASMHPD)
  • Michelle R. O’Brien, Principal Court Management Consultant, National Center for State Courts (moderator)

Competency and Restoration Reimagined from Practice to Possibility: Competency Process Improvements (Oct. 1, 2025)

Jurisdictions should carefully consider when the competency process is going to be used. Evaluating your current processes and policies can lead to improvements including speeding up process times, using data assessments to improve outcomes, forensic evaluation improvements, and implementing competency dockets. 

Presented by:
  • Susan McMahon, Professor of Lawyering Skills, University of California, Irvine 
  • Richard Schwermer, Court Consultant, National Center for State Courts 
  • Ashley Gunterman, Psy.D., Deputy Director, Forensic Services Division, Colorado Office of Civil and Forensic Mental Health 
  • Jennifer Turner, Executive Director, Office of Bridges of Colorado 
  • Scott Block, State Court Behavioral Health Administrator, Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts 
  • Sharon Coleman, Deputy Director of Forensic & Justice Services, Illinois Department of Human Services 
  • Michelle O’Brien, Principal Court Management Consultant, National Center for State Courts (moderator)

 

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