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What is Stand Mute?
At arraignment, a defendant is asked how he or she pleads to the crime(s) charged against them. The defendant can plead guilty, not guilty, or stand mute.www.notafraidtowin.com
Arraignment
Arraignment is a court proceeding where the defendant is formally charged with a crime. It is a short hearing lasting no more than just a few minutes. At the arraignment hearing, Attorney Fogt will acknowledge the charges (the Indictment), enter a plea of "Not Guilty" or "Respectfully Stand Mute" and address bond if needed.
The reason why attorneys will "Respectfully Stand Mute," when entering a plea for his client is to preserve the ability to plead "Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity" and/or to preserve the right to determine whether or not his client is competent to stand trial. This action has NO detrimental effect on a client's case whatsoever. It is typically done out of abundance of caution.
Idaho doesn't have NGRI, so it must be something else. So far, Kohberger has told the Court he understands and is competent to stand trial.
IMO.