People v. Williams

The defendant was found guilty of burglary and attempted car theft following a trial by a jury which lasted less than one day. After the verdict was received, the trial court excused the jury and suspended further proceedings because, as the judge stated, “. . . I am not satisfied in my own mind as to the mentality of the defendant. For that reason, I am going to appoint two psychiatrists for a further examination. ’ ’ Within five days, Williams was examined by the two psychiatrists appointed. Their report stated in part: “The history and examination would indicate that the defendant is suffering from a very definite mental illness, probably of some duration, and is of the paranoid type. This is of such severity that it interferes with his ability to accurately appraise his present situation and the events leading up to his arrest and trial. The gross delusional content of his thinking is of such severity that he is not legally sane at this time.” The report concluded: “ It is the opinion of the examiners that the defendant is legally insane at this time and that he is in need of care and treatment ...” and recommended that he be committed to the Atascadero State Hospital.

In…