2019 Wyoming Statutes
Title 7 - Criminal Procedure
Chapter 13 - Sentence and Imprisonment
Article 9 - Execution of Death Sentence
Section 7-13-902 - Examination of Convict to Determine Mental Capacity; Hearing; Finding of Court.

7-13-902. Examination of convict to determine mental capacity; hearing; finding of court.

(a) If the court finds from the notice in W.S. 7-13-901(b) that there is reasonable cause to believe that the convict does not have the requisite mental capacity, the court shall stay the execution and order an examination of the convict by a designated examiner. The order may direct examination at the place of confinement or at any other designated facility.

(b) If the order provides for examination at a designated facility, commitment to that facility for the study of the mental condition of the convict shall continue no longer than a thirty (30) day period.

(c) Upon completion of the examination of the convict the designated examiner shall provide a report in writing to the court of his:

(i) Detailed findings; and

(ii) Opinion as to whether the convict has the requisite mental capacity and, if the convict does not have the requisite mental capacity, the probable duration of that incapacity.

(d) The clerk of court shall deliver copies of the report to the attorney general and the district attorney and to the convict or his counsel. Within five (5) days after receiving the copy of the report, the convict, his counsel or the state may upon written request obtain an order granting them an examination of the convict by a designated examiner of their own choosing. If such an examination is ordered, a report conforming to the requirements of subsection (c) of this section shall be furnished to the court and to the opposing party.

(e) If the state, the convict or his counsel does not contest the opinion referred to in subsection (c) of this section, the court may make a determination and finding of record on the basis of the report filed or may hold a hearing on its own motion. If the opinion is contested, the court shall conduct a hearing at which the report or reports may be received in evidence. The parties may summon and cross-examine the persons who provided the report or rendered opinions contained therein and offer evidence upon the issue of the convict's requisite mental capacity.

(f) If the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the convict does not have the requisite mental capacity, the judge shall suspend the execution of the convict until a time when it is found that the convict has the requisite mental capacity.

(g) Upon the court finding that the convict does not have the requisite mental capacity, the court shall issue notice thereof to the convict, the governor, the attorney general and the district attorney.

(h) Unless the convict is represented by counsel, the court shall appoint an attorney to represent him.

(j) During the hearing, the convict shall have an opportunity to be heard either personally or through his counsel. Counsel for the convict may introduce any relevant evidence bearing upon the convict's requisite mental capacity.

(k) If the court finds that the convict has the requisite mental capacity, the court shall issue an order detailing its findings and conclusions and appointing a time for the convict's execution.