15.Competency-Hearing Request and Deferral
8 linesRICK HUBBARD: Your Honor, the only other thing that I can think of right now is that at some point we actually need to do a Blair hearing on his competence. I mean obviously the challenge is on the issue of insanity. But as we proceed I think there needs to be a hearing on his competency. If they are going to agree to Dr. Frierson's report coming in as opposed to Dr. Frierson coming in here and testifying on his competency, I am fine with that. I just want Mr. Jones to say he is fine with that. And then would only request that Your Honor making an affirmative finding that you believe, having reviewed that, that he is competent at this time.
THE COURT: Okay. Do y'all want to have a Blair hearing in the morning?
BOYD YOUNG: No, Your Honor, we don't want to have a Blair hearing. We won't consent to the admissibility of Dr. Frierson's competency eval. The Defense has no concerns about Mr. Jones' competency. The Court has interacted with Mr. Jones a number of times. The Court could tell that nobody has any concerns about his competency. He has obviously understood the Court each and every time that he has been personally addressed and there is absolutely no need for a Blair hearing.
THE COURT: I am going to review Dr. Frierson's report and make a decision on whether or not to conduct a hearing tomorrow morning.
RICK HUBBARD: I would ask for one because I think it is required that the Court make a finding.
THE COURT: I will review the report and we will deal with that in the morning. Okay. I think that is all we have got, I will see y'all in the morning at 8:30ish for your witness.
BOYD YOUNG: Yes, sir.
THE COURT: See you then. Thank y'all. (Whereupon, the trial will resume the next morning at 8:30 a.m.)