Cooper v. Oklahoma (Supreme Court, 1996)

Cooper v. Oklahoma (Supreme Court, 1996): The Supreme Court ruled Oklahoma’s law allowing the State to try a defendant who is more likely than not incompetent was unconstitutional as it violated the Due Process Clause. The Court determined the burden of proof rests on the State, and the preponderance of the evidence (more weighty evidence) indicates the defendant is competent to proceed with trial.