In Litigating Competence-Five Central Questions, psychology expert witness Philip J. Kinsler, Ph.D., writes:
2. What specific psycho-legal skills should be addressed in a competency evaluation?
2.1. An examination of competence often makes an assessment of the following psycho-legal skills:
2.1.1. Whether the Defendant has an appreciation of the charges;
2.1.2. Whether the Defendant has an appreciation of the range and nature of possible penalties;
2.1.3. Whether the Defendant has an understanding of the adversary nature of the legal process;
2.1.4. Whether the Defendant has the capacity to disclose to his attorney pertinent facts surrounding the alleged offenses;
2.1.5. Whether the Defendant has the ability to relate to his attorney;
2.1.6. Whether the Defendant has an ability to assist his attorney in planning his defense;
2.1.7. Whether the Defendant has the capacity to realistically challenge prosecution witnesses;
2.1.8. Whether the Defendant has the ability to manifest appropriate courtroom behavior.