---
title: "Dusky v. United States"
citation: "Dusky v. United States, 362 U.S. 402 (1960)"
authority_id: "AUTH-SCOTUS-DUSKY-362-US-402"
authority_type: "case"
jurisdiction: "federal_nationwide"
precedential_status: "binding"
official_url: "https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USREPORTS-362/pdf/USREPORTS-362-402.pdf"
url: "https://jason93.com/legal/federal-process/authorities/AUTH-SCOTUS-DUSKY-362-US-402/"
legal_review: "2026-08-25"
links_checked: "2026-10-15"
links_available: 1
links_checked_count: 1
license: "CC BY 4.0"
---

# Dusky v. United States

## Holding used

Present ability to consult rationally with counsel and rational and factual understanding of the proceedings form the competency standard.

## Material limitation

Application requires current clinical and litigation facts, not diagnosis or orientation alone.

## Official source and pinpoints

362 U.S. 402, 402–03 (1960): <https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USREPORTS-362/pdf/USREPORTS-362-402.pdf>


## Used in

- [Competency, Insanity Procedure, and Speedy Trial](https://jason93.com/legal/federal-process/modules/20-pretrial/competency-insanity-and-speedy-trial.md)