Story by Danielle Ohl of Spotlight PA

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Pennsylvania’s competency system is in crisis, according to a recent state-backed study.

The state’s competency restoration system is part of the criminal justice process.

If someone is charged with a crime, but because of a serious mental illness or other cognitive issue cannot understand their legal situation enough to aid in their own defense, a judge may find them “incompetent” to stand trial. These people must undergo competency restoration treatment before their case can proceed.

But despite decades of scr

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