Utah legal term
Competent to stand trial in Utah Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Utah legislative session
In Utah criminal law, “Competent to stand trial” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the Utah criminal code.
What does “Competent to stand trial” mean in Utah criminal law?
"Competent to stand trial" means that a defendant has: (2)(a) a rational and factual understanding of the criminal proceedings against the defendant and of the punishment specified for the offense charged; and (2)(b) the ability to consult with the defendant's legal counsel with a reasonable degree of rational understanding in order to assist in the defense. (Utah Code Ann. § 77-15-2)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.