At What Stage of Criminal Proceedings May the Issue of Competence

question 21

Multiple Choice

At what stage of criminal proceedings may the issue of competence be raised?

• A) while the defendant is being read her/his Miranda Rights
• B) before and during trial when the defendant needs to instruct his lawyer
• C) at the sentencing phase of a trial
• D) at any of the stages mentioned above

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Definitions:

Heredity

The passing on of physical or mental characteristics genetically from one generation to another.

Canalization

The tendency for a trait that is biologically programmed to be restricted to only a few outcomes.

Range of Reaction

A theory suggesting that genetic potential sets certain limits on the expression of traits, but the environment determines where within those limits an individual will fall.

Epigenesis

The process through which the genotype interacts with the environment to guide development, affecting gene expression without altering the DNA sequence.