James v. State

MAXWELL, J,

for the Court:

¶ 1. Mississippi has adopted Uniform Rule of Circuit and County Court 9.06 as a procedural safeguard to ensure an accused is competent to stand trial. Johnny James Jr. was convicted in the Newton County Circuit Court of the statutory rape of a twelve-year-old girl. On appeal, he argues his procedural due-process rights were violated because the trial court did not comply with Rule 9.06.

¶ 2. We find the retrospective competency hearing ordered by this court satisfies the requirements of procedural due process and the purpose of Rule 9.06. We also find no reversible…