What are the criteria for determining a juvenile's capacity to stand trial?

In South Carolina, juvenile law is governed by the Juvenile Justice Code. According to the Code, a juvenile’s capacity to stand trial is determined by their ability to understand the criminal proceedings and participate in their defense. This is commonly referred to as the juvenile’s “mental competence”. In South Carolina, the criteria for determining a juvenile’s capacity to understand the proceedings include both their ability to understand the charges against them and the consequences of the proceedings. A juvenile must be able to comprehend the roles of the different parties in the courtroom, the nature of their rights during the proceedings, and the potential outcomes of the trial. The juvenile must also be able to comprehend the nature of the proceedings and assist in their defense. The court must evaluate a juvenile’s mental competence before they are allowed to stand trial. This evaluation is conducted by a professional psychologist or psychiatrist who will evaluate the juvenile’s mental health, intellectual functioning, and overall maturity. The professional will also assess the juvenile’s ability to communicate, comprehend, and manipulate the facts of the case. The professional’s evaluation report is then presented to the court. If a juvenile is determined to have the capacity to stand trial, the proceedings will proceed in the same manner as they would for an adult. If a juvenile is determined to be incompetent, the court must consider options such as treatment, probation, or other alternatives depending on the severity of the charges.

What are the criteria for determining a juvenile's capacity to stand trial?

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