Capacity for Justice Spring Seminar
June 11-12, 2026
Virtual (Zoom)
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM (both days)
Sponsored By:
Capacity for Justice and
Texas Health and Human Services
8 hours of CE
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WORKSHOPS
1) Delusion? Radicalization? Are They Different? Does It Matter
Dr. Mary Alice Conroy
It will explore whether a "mental disease or defect" is essential to an ultimate issue opinion. How central is the issue of 'delusion"? How radical must an idea be to qualify as a delusion? The workshop will acknowledge that certain strongly held ideas in our current society can interfere with a defendant’s ability to rationally judge the nature of their actions and/or rationally make decisions in consort with their attorney. The presenter will discuss ways in which an evaluator may assist the court in disentangling these issues.
2. Competency Evaluation Overview and Case Discussions
Dr. Matthew Faubion
We will discuss the elements of trial competency evaluation to include a review of the statutory basis of trial competency evaluations and apply those elements of 46B to the trial competency evaluation. We will discuss report writing and prospective formats as well as principles of courtroom testimony as related to trial competency evaluations. We will discuss case examples and review ethical issues that are unique to trial competency evaluations as opposed to general clinical assessments.
3. From Evaluation to Restoration:
A Case Based Look at Competency Evaluation and Restoration in Texas (1)
Andrea Wright, MD and Brieann Olafsson, PhD
This presentation will use a case based framework to illustrate how justice involved individuals move through the Texas competency restoration system and how evaluator decision making may influence restoration placement along that pathway. This presentation will review the various treatment settings, including jail-based competency restoration, outpatient restoration programs, and inpatient restoration settings and individual characteristics appropriate for each setting. The session is designed to directly address the competency crisis by grounding theory, statutory requirements, and current data in real world practice. Additionally, this session will include a discussion of the implications and ethical considerations associated with initial evaluator recommendations.
4. From Evaluation to Restoration:
A Case Based Look Competency Evaluation and Restoration in Texas (2)
Andrea Wright, MD and Brieann Olafsson, PhD
A core focus of this session will be trial competency evaluation report writing and evaluator decision-making. Presenters will review required report elements, recommended language for clearly supporting opinions, and strategies for “painting the picture” for the court, particularly in complex cases such as those involving dementia or alternative dispositions. This structure is intended to move beyond high level overview and provide forensic professionals with detailed, actionable guidance that improves consistency, fidelity to the system, and outcomes across the competency continuum. Additionally, this session will include a discussion of the implications and ethical considerations associated with estimates of restorability, particularly for those with suspected neurocognitive disorders.
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