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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 scrutiny, Pennsylvania’s latest review found the proce

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