The Fitness Interview Test–Revised (FIT–R) is an instrument designed for use by mental health professionals in evaluations of competence to stand trial. [Page 323]Designed as a structured clinical judgment instrument that guides evaluators through an assessment of the specific psycholegal abilities required of a defendant to stand trial, the FIT–R demonstrates reliability and predictive validity and is useful for screening out individuals who are clearly competent to stand trial.

Competence (or fitness) to stand trial is a wellestablished legal principle designed to ensure that criminal defendants have the ability to participate in legal proceedings. Defendants must be able to understand the charges against them, understand the possible consequences of legal proceedings, and communicate with their attorney. Defendants whose ability to participate competently in their trial is ...