Opinion No.

Mr. Kurt Knickrehm, Director Department of Human Services 329 Donaghey Plaza South Post Office Box 1437 Little Rock, AR 72203-1437

Dear Mr. Knickrehm:

You have presented the following questions for my opinion:(1) Does a State District Court Judge have the authority to acquit a criminal defendant on the grounds of mental disease or defect?(2) Does a State District Court Judge have the authority to suspend a criminal proceeding because such court determines the defendant lacks fitness to proceed and that the proceeding should be suspended?(3) Does a State District Court Judge have the authority…