In Riggins v. Nevada, the United States Supreme Court considered whether the forced administration of antipsychotic medication during trial violated the defendant's Sixth and Fourteenth Amendment rights. In a seven to two decision, the Court concluded that the lower courts' failure to acknowledge Riggins' liberty interest in freedom from continual, involuntary antipsychotic drug treatment without any determination regarding the need for antipsychotic medication or any consideration of reasonable alternatives constituted reversible error.
The Court stated that such error may have violated Riggins' right to a full and fair trial."
The Court reasoned that Riggins' rights at trial possibly were impaired because the side effects of the medication may have impacted his outward appearance, the content of his testimony, his ability to follow the proceedings or the substance of his communication with counsel.
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