J. D. B. v. Wisconsin

In Sell v. United States, 539 U.S. 166 (2003), this Court established four factors that courts must address before they may order incompetent defendants to be forcibly medicated with the goal of restoring competency. The first is whether an important government interest is at stake, including whether special circumstances lessen that interest. The other three are whether involuntary medication will significantly further the government’s interest in prosecution and a fair trial, whether involuntary medication is necessary to further that interest, and whether involuntary medication is medically appropriate. Id. at 180. The Questions Presented are: I. What special circumstances are courts to consider in determining whether the government’s interest in prosecution is undermined to the point that forced medication is unconstitutional? II. What are the minimum requirements for treatment plans submitted in support of an order for involuntary medication to restore competency in a criminal case?