<P> An inmate on death row has a right to be evaluated for competency by a psychologist to determine if sentence can be carried out . This is a result of Ford v. Wainwright, a case filed by a Florida inmate on death row who took his case to the United States Supreme Court, declaring he was not competent to be executed . The court ruled in his favor, stating that a forensic professional must make that competency evaluation and, if the inmate is found incompetent, must provide treatment to aid in his gaining competency so the execution can take place . </P> <Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This section needs additional citations for verification . Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources . Unsourced material may be challenged and removed . (August 2016) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> </Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This section needs additional citations for verification . Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources . Unsourced material may be challenged and removed . (August 2016) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> <P> Generally, in the United States, a person has the capacity or competence to make the decision to enter into a contract if the person has the ability to understand and appreciate, to the extent relevant, all of the following: (a) The rights, duties, and responsibilities created by, or affected by the decision . (b) The probable consequences for the decisionmaker and, where appropriate, the persons affected by the decision . (c) The significant risks, benefits, and reasonable alternatives involved in the decision . See, e.g., California Probate Code § 812 . </P>

What does it mean to be legally competent