Pate v. Robinson

383 U.S. 375 (1966)

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Nature of the Case

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Facts

Robinson (D) had a long history of disturbed behavior after a brick hit him on the head when he was seven. His conduct became noticeably erratic around 1946-47 when home from the army he just up and kicked a hole in the bar and just stared and paced the floor when asked what was wrong. D was committed eventually in 1951 to a mental hospital. After release, his irrational episodes became more serious. D killed his 18-month old son in 1953 and attempted suicide by shooting himself in the head. D served four years and was released in 1956 and lived with Flossie. Flossie was eventually killed at her workplace by D. Four witnesses expressed the opinion that D was insane. The state stipulated that it had an expert to testify that he was sane. D was found guilty and appealed. The state insists that D waived his right to the defense of his competence to stand trial by failing to demand a sanity hearing under Illinois law. Counsel during all the proceedings insisted that the sanity of D was very much at issue.