Final answer:
The capacity of an individual declared incompetent by a court includes the inability to stand trial or make certain legal decisions due to mental impairments, with protections in place like those established in Dusky v. United States and Atkins v. Virginia.
Step-by-step explanation:
The capacity of a person adjudicated incompetent by a court order is significantly altered under the law. Once declared incompetent to stand trial, an individual is viewed as unable to understand the charges against them or to participate adequately in their defense due to mental illness, cognitive disability, or other mental impairments. This legal status impacts their ability to make decisions, including those related to trials and sentencing. For example, in Dusky v. United States, it was affirmed that a defendant must be competent to undergo trial. Comparable standards apply to sentencing, as seen in Ford v. Wainwright, where the court ruled a competency evaluation was necessary before execution, reflecting similar sentiments about the protection of those with cognitive disabilities as outlined in Atkins v. Virginia.
Moreover, the Supreme Court has placed limits on capital punishment, prohibiting the execution of individuals with intellectual disabilities or those who committed crimes as minors. Competency extends to various aspects of the legal process, including the right to plead guilty or waive legal counsel, per Godinez v. Moran. The underlying theme in these cases is to balance an individual's rights with the broader needs of society and to ensure fair treatment in the justice system.