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Title 18 — Crimes and Criminal Procedure

Part III · Chapter 313 — Offenders with Mental Disease or Defect

§ 4241. Determination of mental competency to stand trial to undergo postrelease proceedings 11 So in original. Probably should be “stand trial or to undergo postrelease proceedings”.

Statutory text

(a)

Motion To Determine Competency of Defendant.—

At any time after the commencement of a prosecution for an offense and prior to the sentencing of the defendant, or at any time after the commencement of probation or supervised release and prior to the completion of the sentence, the defendant or the attorney for the Government may file a motion for a hearing to determine the mental competency of the defendant. The court shall grant the motion, or shall order such a hearing on its own motion, if there is reasonable cause to believe that the defendant may presently be suffering from a mental disease or defect rendering him mentally incompetent to the extent that he is unable to understand the nature and consequences of the proceedings against him or to assist properly in his defense.

(b)

Psychiatric or Psychological Examination and Report.—

Prior to the date of the hearing, the court may order that a psychiatric or psychological examination of the defendant be conducted, and that a psychiatric or psychological report be filed with the court, pursuant to the provisions of section 4247(b) and (c).

(c)

Hearing.—

The hearing shall be conducted pursuant to the provisions of section 4247(d).

(d)

Determination and Disposition.—

If, after the hearing, the court finds by a preponderance of the evidence that the defendant is presently suffering from a mental disease or defect rendering him mentally incompetent to the extent that he is unable to understand the nature and consequences of the proceedings against him or to assist properly in his defense, the court shall commit the defendant to the custody of the Attorney General. The Attorney General shall hospitalize the defendant for treatment in a suitable facility—

(1)

for such a reasonable period of time, not to exceed four months, as is necessary to determine whether there is a substantial probability that in the foreseeable future he will attain the capacity to permit the proceedings to go forward; and

(2)

for an additional reasonable period of time until—

(A)

his mental condition is so improved that trial may proceed, if the court finds that there is a substantial probability that within such additional period of time he will attain the capacity to permit the proceedings to go forward; or

(B)

the pending charges against him are disposed of according to law;

whichever is earlier.

If, at the end of the time period specified, it is determined that the defendant’s mental condition has not so improved as to permit the proceedings to go forward, the defendant is subject to the provisions of sections 4246 and 4248.

(e)

Discharge.—

When the director of the facility in which a defendant is hospitalized pursuant to subsection (d) determines that the defendant has recovered to such an extent that he is able to understand the nature and consequences of the proceedings against him and to assist properly in his defense, he shall promptly file a certificate to that effect with the clerk of the court that ordered the commitment. The clerk shall send a copy of the certificate to the defendant’s counsel and to the attorney for the Government. The court shall hold a hearing, conducted pursuant to the provisions of section 4247(d), to determine the competency of the defendant. If, after the hearing, the court finds by a preponderance of the evidence that the defendant has recovered to such an extent that he is able to understand the nature and consequences of the proceedings against him and to assist properly in his defense, the court shall order his immediate discharge from the facility in which he is hospitalized and shall set the date for trial or other proceedings. Upon discharge, the defendant is subject to the provisions of chapters 207 and 227.

(f)

Admissibility of Finding of Competency.—

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

Legislative history

Reconstructed from this section’s Code source credit and amendment notes, resolved against the local Statutes at Large. Editorial notes are evidence, not the law that made the change.

  1. Pub. L. 80–645 · 62 Stat. 683

    Enacted · 18 U.S.C. § 4241

    June 25, 1948, ch. 645, 62 Stat. 855

    Source evidence

    Code source credit
    June 25, 1948, ch. 645, 62 Stat. 855

  2. Insanity Defense Reform Act of 1984

    Pub. L. 98–473 title II § 403(a) · 98 Stat. 1837

    1. Amended · 18 U.S.C. § 4241

      Pub. L. 98–473 amended section generally

    2. Substituted · 18 U.S.C. § 4241

      Pub. L. 98–473 substituting “Determination of mental competency to stand trial” for “Examination and transfer to hospital” in section catchline

    3. Substituted · 18 U.S.C. § 4241

      Pub. L. 98–473 substituting provisions relating to motion, report, hearing, etc., for determination of competency of defendant, for provisions relating to boards of examiners for examination of inmates of Federal penal and correctional institutions and transfer of such inmates to hospitals

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Pub. L. 98–473 amended section generally, substituting “Determination of mental competency to stand trial” for “Examination and transfer to hospital” in section catchline, and substituting provisions relating to motion, report, hearing, etc., for determination of competency of defendant, for provisions relating to boards of examiners for examination of inmates of Federal penal and correctional institutions and transfer of such inmates to hospitals.

    Enacted provision · exact public law section
    (a) Chapter 313 of title 18, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: “CHAPTER 313— OFFENDERS WITH MENTAL DISEASE OR DEFECT “Sec. “4241. Determination of mental competency to stand trial. “4242. Determination of the existence of insanity at the time of the offense. “4243. Hospitalization of a person found not guilty only by reason of insanity. “4244. Hospitalization of a convicted person suffering from mental disease or defect. “4245. Hospitalization of an imprisoned person suffering from mental disease or defect. “4246. Hospitalization of a person due for release but suffering from mental disease or defect. “4247. General provisions for chapter. “§ 4241. Determination of mental competency to stand trial “(a) Motion To Determine Competency of Defendant.— At any time after the commencement of a prosecution for an offense and prior to the sentencing of the defendant, the defendant or the attorney for the Government may file a motion for a hearing to determine the mental competency of the defendant. The court shall grant the motion, or shall order such a hearing on its own motion, if there is reasonable cause to believe that the defendant may presently be suffering from a mental disease or defect rendering him mentally incompetent to the extent that he is unable to understand the nature and consequences of the proceedings against him or to assist property in his defense. “(b) Psychiatric or Psychological Examination and Report.— Prior to the date of the hearing, the court may order that a psychiatric or psychological examination of the defendant be conducted, and that a psychiatric or psychological report be filed with the court, pursuant to the provisions of section 4247 (b) and (c). “(c) Hearing.— The hearing shall be conducted pursuant to the provisions of section 4247(d). “(d) Determination and Disposition.— If, after the hearing, the court finds by a preponderance of the evidence that the defendant is presently suffering from a mental disease or defect rendering him mentally incompetent to the extent that he is unable to understand the nature and consequences of the proceedings against him or to assist properly in his defense, the court shall commit the defendant to the custody of the Attorney General. The Attorney General shall hospitalize the defendant for treatment in a suitable facility— “(1) for such a reasonable period of time, not to exceed four months, as is necessary to determine whether there is a substantial probability that in the foreseeable future he will attain the capacity to permit the trial to proceed; and “(2) for an additional reasonable period of time until— “(A) his mental condition is so improved that trial may proceed, if the court finds that there is a substantial probability that within such additional period of time he will attain the capacity to permit the trial to proceed; or “(B) the pending charges against him are disposed of according to law; whichever is earlier. If, at the end of the time period specified, it is determined that the defendant’s mental condition has not so improved as to permit the trial to proceed, the defendant is subject to the provisions of section 4246. “(e) Discharge.— When the director of the facility in which a defendant is hospitalized pursuant to subsection (d) determines that the defendant has recovered to such an extent that he is able to understand the nature and consequences of the proceedings against him and to assist properly in his defense, he shall promptly file a certificate to that effect with the clerk of the court that ordered the commitment. The clerk shall send a copy of the certificate to the defendant’s counsel and to the attorney for the Government. The court shall hold a hearing, conducted pursuant to the provisions of section 4247(d), to determine the competency of the defendant. If, after the hearing, the court finds by a preponderance of the evidence that the defendant has recovered to such an extent that he is able to understand the nature and consequences of the proceedings against him and to assist properly in his defense, the court shall order his immediate discharge from the facility in which he is hospitalized and shall set the date for trial. Upon discharge, the defendant is Ante, pp. 1976, 1985. subject to the provisions of chapter 207. “(f) Admissibility of Finding of Competency.— A finding by the court that the defendant is mentally competent to stand trial shall not prejudice the defendant in raising the issue of his insanity as a defense to the offense charged, and shall not be admissible as evidence in a trial for the offense charged. “§ 4242. Determination of the existence of insanity at the time of the offense “(a) Motion for Pretrial Psychiatric or Psychological Examination.— Upon the filing of a notice, as provided in Rule 12.2 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, that the defendant intends to 18 USC app. rely on the defense of insanity, the court, upon motion of the attorney for the Government, shall order that a psychiatric or psychological examination of the defendant be conducted, and that a psychiatric or psychological report be filed with the court, pursuant to the provisions of section 4247 (b) and (c). “(b) Special Verdict.— If the issue of insanity is raised by notice as provided in Rule 12.2 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure on motion of the defendant or of the attorney for the Government, or on the court’s own motion, the jury shall be instructed to find, or, in the event of a nonjury trial, the court shall find the defendant— “(1) guilty; “(2) not guilty; or “(3) not guilty only by reason of insanity. “§ 4243. Hospitalization of a person found not guilty only by reason of insanity “(a) Determination of Present Mental Condition of Acquitted Person.— If a person is found not guilty only by reason of insanity at the time of the offense charged, he shall be committed to a suitable facility until such time as he is eligible for release pursuant to subsection (e). “(b) Psychiatric or Psychological Examination and Report.— Prior to the date of the hearing, pursuant to subsection (c), the court shall order that a psychiatric or psychological examination of the defendant be conducted, and that a psychiatric or psychological report be filed with the court, pursuant to the provisions of section 4247 (b) and (c). “(c) Hearing.— A hearing shall be conducted pursuant to the provisions of section 4247(d) and shall take place not later than forty days following the special verdict. “(d) Burden of Proof.— In a hearing pursuant to subsection (c) of this section, a person found not guilty only by reason of insanity of an offense involving bodily injury to, or serious damage to the property of, another person, or involving a substantial risk of such injury or damage, has the burden of proving by clear and convincing evidence that his release would not create a substantial risk of bodily injury to another person or serious damage of property of another due to a present mental disease or defect. With respect to any other offense, the person has the burden of such proof by a preponderance of the evidence. “(e) Determination and Disposition.— If, after the hearing, the court fails to find by the standard specified in subsection (d) of this section that the person’s release would not create a substantial risk of bodily injury to another person or serious damage of property of another due to a present mental disease or defect, the court shall commit the person to the custody of the Attorney General. The Attorney General shall release the person to the appropriate official of the State in which the person is domiciled or was tried if such State will assume responsibility for his custody, care, and treatment. The Attorney General shall make all reasonable efforts to cause such a State to assume such responsibility. If, notwithstanding such efforts, neither such State will assume such responsibility, the Attorney General shall hospitalize the person for treatment in a suitable facility until— “(1) such a State will assume such responsibility; or “(2) the person’s mental condition is such that his release, or his conditional release under a prescribed regimen of medical, psychiatric, or psychological care or treatment, would not create a substantial risk of bodily injury to another person or serious damage to property of another; whichever is earlier. The Attorney General shall continue periodically to exert all reasonable efforts to cause such a State to assume such responsibility for the person’s custody, care, and treatment. “(f) Discharge.— When the director of the facility in which an acquitted person is hospitalized pursuant to subsection (e) determines that the person has recovered from his mental disease or defect to such an extent that his release, or his conditional release under a prescribed regimen of medical, psychiatric, or psychological care or treatment, would no longer create a substantial risk of bodily injury to another person or serious damage to property of another, he shall promptly file a certificate to that effect with the clerk of the court that ordered the commitment. The clerk shall send a copy of the certificate to the person’s counsel and to the attorney for the Government. The court shall order the discharge of the acquitted person or, on the motion of the attorney for the Government or on its own motion, shall hold a hearing, conducted pursuant to the provisions of section 4247(d), to determine whether he should be released. If, after the hearing, the court finds by the standard specified in subsection (d) that the person has recovered from his mental disease or defect to such an extent that— “(1) his release would no longer create a substantial risk of bodily injury to another person or serious damage to property of another, the court shall order that he be immediately discharged; or “(2) his conditional release under a prescribed regimen of medical, psychiatric, or psychological care or treatment would no longer create a substantial risk of bodily injury to another person or serious damage to property of another, the court shall— “(A) order that he be conditionally discharged under a prescribed regimen of medical, psychiatric, or psychological care or treatment that has been prepared for him, that has been certified to the court as appropriate by the director of the facility in which he is committed, and that has been found by the court to be appropriate; and “(B) order, as an explicit condition of release, that he comply with the prescribed regimen of medical, psychiatric, or psychological care or treatment. The court at any time may, after a hearing employing the same criteria, modify or eliminate the regimen of medical, psychiatric, or psychological care or treatment. “(g) Revocation of Conditional Discharge.— The director of a medical facility responsible for administering a regimen imposed on an acquitted person conditionally discharged under subsection (f) shall notify the Attorney General and the court having jurisdiction over the person of any failure of the person to comply with the regimen. Upon such notice, or upon other probable cause to believe that the person has failed to comply with the prescribed regimen of medical, psychiatric, or psychological care or treatment, the person may be arrested, and, upon arrest, shall be taken without unnecessary delay before the court having jurisdiction over him. The court shall, after a hearing, determine whether the person should be remanded to a suitable facility on the ground that, in light of his failure to comply with the prescribed regimen of medical, psychiatric, or psychological care or treatment, his continued release would create a substantial risk of bodily injury to another person or serious damage to property of another. “§ 4244. Hospitalization of a convicted person suffering from mental disease or defect “(a) Motion To Determine Present Mental Condition of Convicted Defendant.— A defendant found guilty of an offense, or the attorney for the Government, may, within ten days after the defendant is found guilty, and prior to the time the defendant is sentenced, file a motion for a hearing on the present mental condition of the defendant if the motion is supported by substantial information indicating that the defendant may presently be suffering from a mental disease or defect for the treatment of which he is in need of custody for care or treatment in a suitable facility. The court shall grant the motion, or at any time prior to the sentencing of the defendant shall order such a hearing on its own motion, if it is of the opinion that there is reasonable cause to believe that the defendant may presently be suffering from a mental disease or defect for the treatment of which he is in need of custody for care or treatment in a suitable facility. “(b) Psychiatric or Psychological Examination and Report.— Prior to the date of the hearing, the court may order that a psychiatric or psychological examination of the defendant be conducted, and that a psychiatric or psychological report be filed with the court, pursuant to the provisions of section 4247 (b) and (c). In addition to the information required to be included in the psychiatric or psychological report pursuant to the provisions of section 4247(c), if the report includes an opinion by the examiners that the defendant is presently suffering from a mental disease or defect but that it is not such as to require his custody for care or treatment in a suitable facility, the report shall also include an opinion by the examiner concerning the sentencing alternatives that could best accord the defendant the kind of treatment he does need. “(c) Hearing.— The hearing shall be conducted pursuant to the provisions of section 4247(d). “(d) Determination and Disposition.— If, after the hearing, the court finds by a preponderance of the evidence that the defendant is presently suffering from a mental disease or defect and that he should, in lieu of being sentenced to imprisonment, be committed to a suitable facility for care or treatment, the court shall commit the defendant to the custody of the Attorney General. The Attorney General shall hospitalize the defendant for care or treatment in a suitable facility. Such a commitment constitutes a provisional sentence of imprisonment to the maximum term authorized by law for the offense for which the defendant was found guilty. “(e) Discharge.— When the director of the facility in which the defendant is hospitalized pursuant to subsection (d) determines that the defendant has recovered from his mental disease or defect to such an extent that he is no longer in need of custody for care or treatment in such a facility, he shall promptly file a certificate to that effect with the clerk of the court that ordered the commitment. The clerk shall send a copy of the certificate to the defendant’s counsel and to the attorney for the Government. If, at the time of the filing of the certificate, the provisional sentence imposed pursuant to subsection (d) has not expired, the court shall proceed finally to sentencing and may modify the provisional sentence. “§ 4245. Hospitalization of an imprisoned person suffering from mental disease or defect “(a) Motion To Determine Present Mental Condition of Imprisoned Person.— If a person serving a sentence of imprisonment objects either in writing or through his attorney to being transferred to a suitable facility for care or treatment, an attorney for the Government, at the request of the director of the facility in which the person is imprisoned, may file a motion with the court for the district in which the facility is located for a hearing on the present mental condition of the person. The court shall grant the motion if there is reasonable cause to believe that the person may presently be suffering from a mental disease or defect for the treatment of which he is in need of custody for care or treatment in a suitable facility. A motion filed under this subsection shall stay the transfer of the person pending completion of procedures contained in this section. “(b) Psychiatric or Psychological Examination and Report.— Prior to the date of the hearing, the court may order that a psychiatric or psychological examination of the person may be conducted, and that a psychiatric or psychological report be filed with the court, pursuant to the provisions of section 4247 (b) and (c). “(c) Hearing.— The hearing shall be conducted pursuant to the provisions of section 4247(d). “(d) Determination and Disposition.— If, after the hearing, the court finds by a preponderance of the evidence that the person is presently suffering from a mental disease or defect for the treatment of which he is in need of custody for care or treatment in a suitable facility, the court shall commit the person to the custody of the Attorney General. The Attorney General shall hospitalize the person for treatment in a suitable facility until he is no longer in need of such custody for care or treatment or until the expiration of the sentence of imprisonment, whichever occurs earlier. “(e) Discharge.— When the director of the facility in which the person is hospitalized pursuant to subsection (d) determines that the person has recovered from his mental disease or defect to such an extent that he is no longer in need of custody for care or treatment in such a facility, he shall promptly file a certificate to that effect with the clerk of the court that ordered the commitment. The clerk shall send a copy of the certificate to the person’s counsel and to the attorney for the Government. If, at the time of the filing of the certificate, the term of imprisonment imposed upon the person has not expired, the court shall order that the person be reimprisoned until the expiration of his sentence of imprisonment. “§ 4246. Hospitalization of a person due for release but suffering from mental disease or defect “(a) Institution of Proceeding.— If the director of a facility in which a person is hospitalized certifies that a person whose sentence is about to expire, or who has been committed to the custody of the Attorney General pursuant to section 4241(d), or against whom all criminal charges have been dismissed solely for reasons related to the mental condition of the person, is presently suffering from a mental disease or defect as a result of which his release would create a substantial risk of bodily injury to another person or serious damage to property of another, and that suitable arrangements for State custody and care of the person are not available, he shall transmit the certificate to the clerk of the court for the district in which the person is confined. The clerk shall send a copy of the certificate to the person, and to the attorney for the Government, and, if the person was committed pursuant to section 4241(d), to the clerk of the court that ordered the commitment. The court shall order a hearing to determine whether the person is presently suffering from a mental disease or defect as a result of which his release would create a substantial risk of bodily injury to another person or serious damage to property of another. A certificate filed under this subsection shall stay the release of the person pending completion of procedures contained in this section. “(b) Psychiatric or Psychological Examination and Report.— Prior to the date of the hearing, the court may order that a psychiatric or psychological examination of the defendant be conducted, and that a psychiatric or psychological report be filed with the court, pursuant to the provisions of section 4247 (b) and (c). “(c) Hearing.— The hearing shall be conducted pursuant to the provisions of section 4247(d). “(d) Determination and Disposition.— If, after the hearing, the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the person is presently suffering from a mental disease or defect as a result of which his release would create a substantial risk of bodily injury to another person or serious damage to property of another, the court shall commit the person to the custody of the Attorney General. The Attorney General shall release the person to the appropriate official of the State in which the person is domiciled or was tried if such State will assume responsibility for his custody, care, and treatment. The Attorney General shall make all reasonable efforts to cause such a State to assume such responsibility. If, notwithstanding such efforts, neither such State will assume such responsibility, the Attorney General shall hospitalize the person for treatment in a suitable facility, until— “(1) such a State will assume such responsibility; or “(2) the person’s mental condition is such that his release, or his conditional release under a prescribed regimen of medical, psychiatric, or psychological care or treatment would not create a substantial risk of bodily injury to another person or serious damage to property of another; whichever is earlier. The Attorney General shall continue periodically to exert all reasonable efforts to cause such a State to assume such responsibility for the person’s custody, care, and treatment. “(e) Discharge.— When the director of the facility in which a person is hospitalized pursuant to subsection (d) determines that the person has recovered from his mental disease or defect to such an extent that his release would no longer create a substantial risk of bodily injury to another person or serious damage to property of another, he shall promptly file a certificate to that effect with the clerk of the court that ordered the commitment. The clerk shall send a copy of the certificate to the person’s counsel and to the attorney for the Government. The court shall order the discharge of the person or, on the motion of the attorney for the Government or on its own motion, shall hold a hearing, conducted pursuant to the provisions of section 4247(d), to determine whether he should be released. If, after the hearing, the court finds by a preponderance of the evidence that the person has recovered from his mental disease or defect to such an extent that— “(1) his release would no longer create a substantial risk of bodily injury to another person or serious damage to property of another, the court shall order that he be immediately discharged; or “(2) his conditional release under a prescribed regimen of medical, psychiatric, or psychological care or treatment would no longer create a substantial risk of bodily injury to another person or serious damage to property of another, the court shall— “(A) order that he be conditionally discharged under a prescribed regimen of medical, psychiatric, or psychological care or treatment that has been prepared for him, that has been certified to the court as appropriate by the director of the facility in which he is committed, and that has been found by the court to be appropriate; and “(B) order, as an explicit condition of release, that he comply with the prescribed regimen of medical, psychiatric, or psychological care or treatment. The court at any time may, after a hearing employing the same criteria, modify or eliminate the regimen of medical, psychiatric, or psychological care or treatment. “(f) Revocation of Conditional Discharge.— The director of a medical facility responsible for administering a regimen imposed on a person conditionally discharged under subsection (e) shall notify the Attorney General and the court having jurisdiction over the person of any failure of the person to comply with the regimen. Upon such notice, or upon other probable cause to believe that the person has failed to comply with the prescribed regimen of medical, psychiatric, or psychological care or treatment, the person may be arrested, and, upon arrest, shall be taken without unnecessary delay before the court having jurisdiction over him. The court shall, after a hearing, determine whether the person should be remanded to a suitable facility on the ground that, in light of his failure to comply with the prescribed regimen of medical, psychiatric, or psychological care or treatment, his continued release would create a substantial risk of bodily injury to another person or serious damage to property of another. “(g) Release to State of Certain Other Persons.— If the director of a facility in which a person is hospitalized pursuant to this subchapter certifies to the Attorney General that a person, against whom all charges have been dismissed for reasons not related to the mental condition of the person, is presently suffering from a mental disease or defect as a result of which his release would create a substantial risk of bodily injury to another person or serious damage to property of another, the Attorney General shall release the person to the appropriate official of the State in which the person is domiciled or was tried for the purpose of institution of State proceedings for civil commitment. If neither such State will assume such responsibility, the Attorney General shall release the person upon receipt of notice from the State that it will not assume such responsibility, but not later than ten days after certification by the director of the facility. “§ 4247. General provisions for chapter “(a) Definitions.— As used in this chapter— “(1) ‘rehabilitation program’ includes— “(A) basic educational training that will assist the individual in understanding the society to which he will return and that will assist him in understanding the magnitude of his offense and its impact on society; “(B) vocational training that will assist the individual in contributing to, and in participating in, the society to which he will return; “(C) drug, alcohol, and other treatment programs that will assist the individual in overcoming his psychological or physical dependence; and “(D) organized physical sports and recreation programs; and “(2) ‘suitable facility’ means a facility that is suitable to provide care or treatment given the nature of the offense and the characteristics of the defendant. “(b) Psychiatric or Psychological Examination.— A psychiatric or psychological examination ordered pursuant to this chapter shall be conducted by a licensed or certified psychiatrist or clinical psychologist, or, if the court finds it appropriate, by more than one such examiner. Each examiner shall be designated by the court, except that if the examination is ordered under section 4245 or 4246, upon the request of the defendant an additional examiner may be selected by the defendant. For the purposes of an examination pursuant to an order under section 4241, 4244, or 4245, the court may commit the person to be examined for a reasonable period, but not to exceed thirty days, and under section 4242, 4243, or 4246, for a reasonable period, but not to exceed forty-five days, to the custody of the Attorney General for placement in a suitable facility. Unless impracticable, the psychiatric or psychological examination shall be conducted in the suitable facility closest to the court. The director of the facility may apply for a reasonable extension, but not to exceed fifteen days under section 4241, 4244, or 4245, and not to exceed thirty days under section 4242, 4243, or 4246, upon a showing of good cause that the additional time is necessary to observe and evaluate the defendant. “(c) Psychiatric or Psychological Reports.— A psychiatric or psychological report ordered pursuant to this chapter shall be prepared by the examiner designated to conduct the psychiatric or psychological examination, shall be filed with the court with copies provided to the counsel for the person examined and to the attorney for the Government, and shall include— “(1) the person’s history and present symptoms; “(2) a description of the psychiatric, psychological, and medical tests that were employed and their results; “(3) the examiner’s findings; and “(4) the examiner’s opinions as to diagnosis, prognosis, and— “(A) if the examination is ordered under section 4241, whether the person is suffering from a mental disease or defect rendering him mentally incompetent to the extent that he is unable to understand the nature and conse-quences of the proceedings against him or to assist properly in his defense; “(B) if the examination is ordered under section 4242, whether the person was insane at the time of the offense charged; “(C) if the examination is ordered under section 4243 or 4246, whether the person is suffering from a mental disease or defect as a result of which his release would create a substantial risk of bodily injury to another person or serious damage to property of another; “(D) if the examination is ordered under section 4244 or 4245, whether the person is suffering from a mental disease or defect as a result of which he is in need of custody for care or treatment in a suitable facility; or “(E) if the examination is ordered as a part of a presentence investigation, any recommendation the examiner may have as to how the mental condition of the defendant should affect the sentence. “(d) Hearing.— At a hearing ordered pursuant to this chapter the person whose mental condition is the subject of the hearing shall be represented by counsel and, if he is financially unable to obtain adequate representation, counsel shall be appointed for him pursuant to section 3006A. The person shall be afforded an opportunity to testify, to present evidence, to subpoena witnesses on his behalf, and to confront and cross-examine witnesses who appear at the hearing. “(e) Periodic Report and Information Requirements.— (1) The director of the facility in which a person is hospitalized pursuant to— “(A) section 4241 shall prepare semiannual reports; or “(B) section 4243, 4244, 4245, or 4246 shall prepare annual reports concerning the mental condition of the person and containing recommendations concerning the need for his continued hospitalization. The reports shall be submitted to the court that ordered the person’s commitment to the facility and copies of the reports shall be submitted to such other persons as the court may direct. “(2) The director of the facility in which a person is hospitalized pursuant to section 4241, 4243, 4244, 4245, or 4246 shall inform such person of any rehabilitation programs that are available for persons hospitalized in that facility. “(f) Videotape Record.— Upon written request of defense counsel, the court may order a videotape record made of the defendant’s testimony or interview upon which the periodic report is based pursuant to subsection (e). Such videotape record shall be submitted to the court along with the periodic report. “(g) Habeas Corpus Unimpaired.— Nothing contained in section 4243 or 4246 precludes a person who is committed under either of such sections from establishing by writ of habeas corpus the illegality of his detention. “(h) Discharge.— Regardless of whether the director of the facility in which a person is hospitalized has filed a certificate pursuant to the provisions of subsection (e) of section 4241, 4243, 4244, 4245, or 4246, counsel for the person or his legal guardian may, at any time during such person’s hospitalization, file with the court that ordered the commitment a motion for a hearing to determine whether the person should be discharged from such facility, but no such motion may be filed within one hundred and eighty days of a court determi-nation that the person should continue to be hospitalized. A copy of the motion shall be sent to the director of the facility in which the person is hospitalized and to the attorney for the Government. “(i) Authority and Responsibility of the Attorney General.— The Attorney General— “(A) may contract with a State, a political subdivision, a locality, or a private agency for the confinement, hospitalization, care, or treatment of, or the provision of services to, a person committed to his custody pursuant to this chapter; “(B) may apply for the civil commitment, pursuant to State law, of a person committed to his custody pursuant to section 4243 or 4246; “(C) shall, before placing a person in a facility pursuant to the provisions of section 4241, 4243, 4244, 4245, or 4246, consider the suitability of the facility’s rehabilitation programs in meeting the needs of the person; and “(D) shall consult with the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services in the general implementation of the provisions of this chapter and in the establishment of standards for facilities used in the implementation of this chapter. “(j) This chapter does not apply to a prosecution under an Act of Congress applicable exclusively to the District of Columbia or the Uniform Code of Military Justice.”.

  3. Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006

    Pub. L. 109–248 § 302(2)(A) · 120 Stat. 587

    Inserted · 18 U.S.C. § 4241

    Pub. L. 109–248, § 302(2)(A), inserted “to undergo postrelease proceedings” after “trial” in section catchline

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Pub. L. 109–248, § 302(2)(A), inserted “to undergo postrelease proceedings” after “trial” in section catchline.

    Enacted provision · exact public law section
    (A) in the heading, by inserting or “to undergo postrelease proceedings” after “trial”;

  4. Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006

    Pub. L. 109–248 § 302(2)(B) · 120 Stat. 587

    Inserted · 18 U.S.C. § 4241(a)

    Pub. L. 109–248, § 302(2)(B), inserted “or at any time after the commencement of probation or supervised release and prior to the completion of the sentence,” after “sentencing of the defendant,”

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 109–248, § 302(2)(B), inserted “or at any time after the commencement of probation or supervised release and prior to the completion of the sentence,” after “sentencing of the defendant,”.

    Enacted provision · exact public law section
    (B) in the first sentence of subsection (a), by inserting “or at any time after the commencement of probation or supervised release and prior to the completion of the sentence,” after “defendant,”;

  5. Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006

    Pub. L. 109–248 § 302(2)(C) · 120 Stat. 587

    1. Substituted · 18 U.S.C. § 4241(d)

      Pub. L. 109–248, § 302(2)(C), substituted “proceedings to go forward” for “trial to proceed” in concluding provisions

    2. Substituted · 18 U.S.C. § 4241(d)

      Pub. L. 109–248, § 302(2)(C), substituted “sections 4246 and 4248” for “section 4246” in concluding provisions

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 109–248, § 302(2)(C), substituted “proceedings to go forward” for “trial to proceed” wherever appearing and “sections 4246 and 4248” for “section 4246” in concluding provisions.

    Enacted provision · exact public law section
    (C) in subsection (d)— (i) by striking “trial to proceed” each place it appears and inserting “proceedings to go forward”; and (ii) by striking “section 4246” and inserting “sections 4246 and 4248”; and

  6. Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006

    Pub. L. 109–248 § 302(2)(D) · 120 Stat. 587

    1. Inserted · 18 U.S.C. § 4241(e)

      Pub. L. 109–248, § 302(2)(D), inserted “or other proceedings” after “trial”

    2. Substituted · 18 U.S.C. § 4241(e)

      Pub. L. 109–248, § 302(2)(D), substituted “chapters 207 and 227” for “chapter 207”

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 109–248, § 302(2)(D), inserted “or other proceedings” after “trial” and substituted “chapters 207 and 227” for “chapter 207”.

    Enacted provision · exact public law section
    (D) in subsection (e)— (i) by inserting “or other proceedings” after “trial”; and (ii) by striking “chapter 207” and inserting “chapters 207 and 227”;

9 of 10 references resolved to an enrolled provision · 1 partial

Notes

Historical and Revision Notes

Based on title 18, U.S.C., 1940 ed., § 876 (May 13, 1930, ch. 254, § 6, 46 Stat. 271).

Changes were made in phraseology and surplusage omitted.

Editorial Notes

Amendments1984–2006 · 2 rounds

2006

Pub. L. 109–248, § 302(2)(A), inserted “to undergo postrelease proceedings” after “trial” in section catchline.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 109–248, § 302(2)(B), inserted “or at any time after the commencement of probation or supervised release and prior to the completion of the sentence,” after “sentencing of the defendant,”.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 109–248, § 302(2)(C), substituted “proceedings to go forward” for “trial to proceed” wherever appearing and “sections 4246 and 4248” for “section 4246” in concluding provisions.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 109–248, § 302(2)(D), inserted “or other proceedings” after “trial” and substituted “chapters 207 and 227” for “chapter 207”.

1984

Pub. L. 98–473 amended section generally, substituting “Determination of mental competency to stand trial” for “Examination and transfer to hospital” in section catchline, and substituting provisions relating to motion, report, hearing, etc., for determination of competency of defendant, for provisions relating to boards of examiners for examination of inmates of Federal penal and correctional institutions and transfer of such inmates to hospitals.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Short Title of 1984 Amendment

Pub. L. 98–473, title II, § 401, , 98 Stat. 2057, provided that: “This chapter [chapter IV (§§ 401–406) of title II of Pub. L. 98–473, enacting section 20 of this title and amending this chapter, section 3006A of this title, and rule 12.2 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure and rule 704 of the Federal Rules of Evidence set out in the Appendix to this title] may be sited [cited] as the ‘Insanity Defense Reform Act of 1984’.”

Credits

1948–2006 · 3 acts
  1. 1948June 25, 1948, ch. 645, 62 Stat. 855
  2. 1984Pub. L. 98–473, title II, § 403(a), , 98 Stat. 2057
  3. 2006Pub. L. 109–248, title III, § 302(2), , 120 Stat. 619.
Show as published

(June 25, 1948, ch. 645, 62 Stat. 855; Pub. L. 98–473, title II, § 403(a), , 98 Stat. 2057; Pub. L. 109–248, title III, § 302(2), , 120 Stat. 619.)

Parsed from the official OLRC USLM XML in data/usc_all/usc18.xml · release point 119-108 · OLRC build 2026-05-04

USLM identifier /us/usc/t18/s4241