The hearing on the request of the prosecution to commit George Lincoln Rockwell to psychiatric observation has been deferred to August 10, to give the defendant time to prepare his defense in consultation with a private psychiatrist. The hearing was scheduled for July 27.
The self-styled Nazi leader of the American Nazi Party faced charges of disorderly conduct in connection with a riot at his rally July 3, when Assistant Corporation Counsel Clark King asked Municipal Judge George B. Neilson to initiate insanity proceedings in the case as there was reason to doubt the mental competency of the defendant to stand trial. Before the date set for the hearings on this suggestion, Rockwell appeared before the judge claiming he had difficulties in getting psychiatric advice to prepare his defense.
Judge Neilson suggested that he go to D. C. General Hospital where he could be observed as an out-patient free of charge. However, the hospital authorities said this could not be accomplished on such a basis, as the psychiatric division was not equipped for out-patient service. The judge therefore continued the hearings to give Rockwell more time, but he will have to secure the services of a private psychiatrist.
Rockwell and sixteen of his “troopers” will appear tomorrow in court again to face new charges of disorderly conduct at the rally last Sunday.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
