Utah § 77-19-203.5 - Successive petitions on competency of an inmate sentenced to death.

Full text of Utah Utah Code § 77-19-203.5 — Successive petitions on competency of an inmate sentenced to death., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 77-19-203.5. Successive petitions on competency of an inmate sentenced to death.

Effective 5/6/2026
77-19-203.5.  Successive petitions on competency of an inmate sentenced to death.
(1)If a petition described in Section 77-19-203 is filed after an inmate has previously been found competent to be executed under this part, the court may not grant a hearing on the competency to be executed unless the successive petition:
(a)alleges with specificity a substantial change of circumstances after the previous finding of competency by the court;
(b)is sufficient to raise a significant question about the inmate's competency to be executed; and
(c)is accompanied by at least one affidavit from a licensed physician or licensed psychologist who has:
(i)examined the inmate after the previous finding of competency by the court; and
(ii)determined, in the physician's or psychologist's opinion, that the inmate is not competent to be executed due to a substantial change in circumstances.
(2)An affidavit described in Subsection (1)(c):
(a)shall contain new and specific facts that support the opinion of the licensed physician or licensed psychologist; and
(b)does not meet the requirements of Subsection (1)(c) if any of the new facts described in Subsection (2)(a) were known to the defense before the previous finding of the court that the inmate was competent to be executed.
(3)In determining whether a successive petition involves a substantial change of circumstances under Subsection (1)(a) and raises a significant question under Subsection (1)(b), the court may consider evidence given by the state in opposition to the petition.


Enacted by Chapter 345, 2026 General Session

Source: official Utah text · Last verified 2026-08-27

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Frequently Asked Questions About Utah § 77-19-203.5

What does Utah Code § 77-19-203.5 cover?

Section 77-19-203.5 ("Successive petitions on competency of an inmate sentenced to death.") is part of the Utah Code, the codified statutory law of Utah. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Utah § 77-19-203.5?

A common citation format is "Utah Code § 77-19-203.5" (Utah). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Utah law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Utah official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Utah attorney.

How does Utah § 77-19-203.5 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Utah can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

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