Why is it important that a defendant be “competent” to stand trial?

Chapter Five:

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1) Why is it important that a defendant be “competent” to stand trial? Should the government be allowed to force a defendant to take medication to make him/her competent to stand trial? What are the rules in your state for determining competency?

2) http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=19674412

Read: Woman Accused Of Killing Daughter In Murder-Suicide Attempt.

What are the important factors regarding this case? What burden does the defendant have in pleading guilty but mentally ill? Is this an appropriate defense for the case?

Chapter Six:

3) http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2012/05/trayvon-martin-case-does-zimmermans-self-defense-claim-depend-on-who-started-the-fight/.

Read: article on the issue of self-defense in the trial of George Zimmerman for the killing of Trayvon Martin. The discussion includes questions important to the plea of self-defense.

What are the important issues to the self-defense plea in this case? Do you agree or disagree with the jurors? Why? Remember, do not respond in first person. All responses must be in third person, supported by sources, not opinion.

Chapter Eight:

4) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cfirwzi_Muc

View: YouTube video on giving Nutraloaf to prisoners and lawsuits related to this practice. What requirements should prisons have regarding the food given to prisoners? Is it cruel and unusual punishment to feed inmates Nutraloaf? What has the Supreme Court said about such cases?

5) A prisoner is chained to a hitching post for seven hours without a water break or bathroom break. Why does this treatment violate the Eighth Amendment?