A finding by the court that the defendant is mentally competent to stand trial may not prejudice the defendant in raising the issue of his insanity as a defense to the offense charged, and may not be admissible as evidence in a trial for the offense charged.

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Terms Used In South Dakota Codified Laws 23A-10A-4.2

  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
  • Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.

Source: SL 1985, ch 192, § 41.