Exhibits, Shows and Displays

If somebody exhibits schizophrenic behavior can they still represent themselves in court?

Why or why not?

Public Comments

1. yes they could ,because they have a right to defense wether it is an attorney or themselves the old saying is 'only a fool would try to represent himself in court' Most people don't know the law well enough to put there life on the line.
2. It would be determined on the factors present at the time of trial. The judge will assess. However, I think it would be disallowed if your defense was that of insanity. lol By the way, the right is to COMPETENT counsel, which is why some verdicts get overturned on appeal. the Judge does not want to set up a situation where the individual can later claim incompetent counsel (his schizophrenic self) in order to win on appeal. Thats why if the person does not seem capable or competent to represent himself, the Judge can deny it and appoint counsel.
3. I believe so. a schizophrenic can still know right from wrong and could still have known that whatever crime s/he committed was wrong when s/he did it. Also, I believe those who represent themselves in court have side counsels appointed by the court to aide in their defense.