In the law of England and Wales, fitness to plead is the capacity of a defendant in criminal proceedings to comprehend the course of those proceedings. The concept of fitness to plead also applies in Scots and Irish law.[1] Its United States equivalent is competence to stand trial.
- ^ Haughey, Charles (6 November 1963). "Criminal Justice Bill, 1963— Second Stage". Houses of the Oireachtas: Dáil Éireann debates. pp. Vol. 205 No. 7 p.38 c.999. Retrieved 18 April 2013."During the period 1946 to 1962 ... 34 were found insane and unfit to plead"