South Carolina Competence — Unanimous Verdict is a legal concept that pertains to criminal trials in the state of South Carolina. In such cases, the defendant's competency to stand trial or participate in legal proceedings is determined by the court before the trial commences. Competence refers to the mental and psychological ability of a defendant to understand the charges brought against them, comprehend the potential consequences of the trial, assist their legal counsel in their defense, and possess a rational and factual understanding of the court proceedings. A Unanimous Verdict means that the decision regarding the defendant's competence must be unanimous among the jurors. All 12 jurors must agree that the defendant is competent to proceed with the trial. If even a single juror disagrees, the court cannot move forward with the trial until the competency issue is resolved. Different types of South Carolina Competence — Unanimous Verdict may include but are not limited to: 1. Competence Evaluation: A thorough evaluation is conducted to assess the defendant's mental state, usually by mental health professionals appointed by the court. They evaluate various factors such as psychiatric history, intellectual capacity, and ability to communicate effectively. 2. Competence Hearing: If doubts about the defendant's competence arise, a hearing is held in which evidence is presented to determine if the defendant is competent to stand trial. The judge and jury carefully consider the evaluations and expert testimonies to reach a unanimous decision. 3. Competence Restoration: If the defendant is found incompetent to stand trial, the court may order competence restoration treatment. This involves providing appropriate mental health interventions and therapies to restore the defendant's competency, enabling them to understand the proceedings and assist in their defense. A Competence — Unanimous Verdict is crucial to ensure a fair trial and uphold the defendant's rights. It ensures that individuals with mental health issues or other impairments receive the proper support and accommodations necessary for them to actively participate in their defense. South Carolina places a significant emphasis on this concept to protect the integrity and fairness of its criminal justice system.