Also known as: mental condition · emotional condition · psychological condition · mental state
Written by attorneys · grounded in primary & secondary sources — see below
An individual's psychological state or impairment that serves as a relevant factor under applicable legal rules.
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Madison Meyers stands trial for assault. Her attorney offers a psychiatrist to testify that Meyers lacked the required intent due to her diagnosed condition. The court excludes the opinion because the rule reserves that determination for the jury alone.
Michelle Murphy begins representing a client in a complex contract dispute. Murphy's severe anxiety prevents her from meeting deadlines or communicating effectively. She must withdraw because her condition materially impairs her ability to provide competent representation.
Melissa Mills seeks a permit to open a group home for adults with intellectual disabilities. The city council denies the application solely because neighbors fear the residents' mental condition. The denial violates equal protection because it rests on prejudice rather than any legitimate interest.
Maya Malik seeks maintenance after a long marriage. The court examines her age and emotional condition alongside the marital standard of living. These factors support an award because her condition limits her ability to support herself.
Musa Mensah files notice of an insanity defense in a theft prosecution. The court appoints a psychiatrist to examine Mensah and report on his mental condition. The examination proceeds because the defense places the issue squarely before the court.
Miguel Mendoza seeks primary custody of his son after divorce. The court reviews the child's physical and emotional condition along with educational needs. These factors guide the support order because they determine the resources required for the child's well-being.
An expert may not state an opinion on whether the defendant possessed a mental state or condition that constitutes an element of the crime or a defense. That determination belongs exclusively to the trier of fact.
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A lawyer must withdraw when the lawyer's mental condition materially impairs the ability to represent the client. The lawyer must assess the facts and circumstances before accepting or continuing the representation.
…dissent rejected this conclusion, believing instead that the case turned on two critical characteristics: (1) "[A] defendant's mental state in committing the subject offense . . . necessarily involves a finding so integral to the charged offense that it must be characterized as an element thereof"; and (2) "the significantly…
…been intimately acquainted with the defendant for a number of years, lived near him, and had been frequently with him, knew his mental condition, and that he was weak-minded, and regarded by his neighbors and people as being what they called half crazy. Other witnesses who had known the defendant for ten to twenty years, witnesses…
…holding that the admission of the evidence violated the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment and that respondent’s mental condition had rendered him incapable of making a valid waiver of his Miranda rights. Held: 1. Respondent’s confession was not coerced in violation of the Due Process Clause. The Colorado…
…each of appellant's issues, we affirm the trial court's judgment. Footnotes [^maj-1]: Appellant's experts evaluated his mental condition
…556 S. W. 2d 563, 566 (1977): “The involuntary mental patient is entitled to treatment, to periodic and recurrent review of his
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Classifications involving persons with intellectual disabilities receive rational basis review. The government may not deny benefits or permits solely because of prejudice against the residents' mental condition.
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The court must consider the age and emotional condition of the spouse seeking maintenance. This factor helps determine the spouse's ability to meet reasonable needs after dissolution.
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The court must appoint a qualified psychiatrist when the defendant files notice of an insanity defense, when fitness to proceed is in doubt, or when mental disease or defect will otherwise become an issue.
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The court must consider the physical and emotional condition of the child and the child's educational needs. These factors help set the amount of support required to maintain the child's standard of living.
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