May Criminal Defendants Be Forced to Take Medication That Will

question 103

Multiple Choice

May criminal defendants be forced to take medication that will make them competent to stand trial if doing so will likely result in their execution?

• A) No. That would clearly violate their constitutional rights.
• B) Yes. If medication is likely to improve the defendant's mental condition, both the state and the defendant should be entitled to have the case tried.
• C) No. Such actions would not be in the best interests of the defendant.
• D) Perhaps. In 2003 the Supreme Court put strict limits on involuntarily medicating mentally ill defendants to make them competent to stand trial.

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Definitions:

Interpersonal Deficits

A term often used in psychology to describe difficulties in initiating or maintaining close relationships with others.

Therapeutic Relationship

The professional and collaborative association between a therapist and a client, which is fundamental to the success of therapy.

Psychotherapy Relationship

The dynamic and therapeutic bond between a psychotherapist and their client, pivotal for the effectiveness of the therapy through factors like trust, openness, and mutual respect.

Significant Relationships

Interactions or connections between people that have a major impact on individuals' lives, development, or well-being.