Loughner Makes Court Appearance

[The Northerner]

TUCSON — Jared L. Loughner, accused in the Jan. 8 shootings here that left six people dead and more than a dozen others injured, including Representative Gabrielle Giffords, walked into the federal courtroom on Wednesday with a dazed expression on his face.

Mr. Loughner, who has not been seen since May when a previous appearance in open court resulted in a dramatic, emotional outburst that included him being dragged from the room, was back for a hearing to discuss whether he was now competent enough to stand trial.

Mr. Loughner, 23, has been under psychiatric treatment since May, including the use of powerful drugs — a practice that he has tried, though his lawyers, to have stopped.

Mr. Loughner’s hair was trimmed short, and he had no facial hair. He wore a simple white T-shirt and khaki pants. Three U.S. marshals were standing within a few feet in case he erupted in another emotional outburst.

Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/29/us/loughner-makes-court-appearance.html

[Kalidurga]

1. I don't believe he will ever be well enough for trial...

and I am not sure what the purpose is... If he is convicted while under the influence of drugs what would that prove of his state at the time of his crimes? I think he needs to be locked up for life, preferably in a mental institution where they are better prepared to take care of individuals like this.

[Ptah]

2. Dr. Christina Pietz disagrees with you

TUCSON - Jared Loughner's mental health condition is improving and he now
understands that U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords -- whom authorities said was
his target in the Jan. 8 shooting rampage that left six people dead --
is alive, a psychologist testified Wednesday.


Under questioning by federal prosecutors during a Wednesday hearing on Loughner's
mental state, Dr. Christina Pietz said it was her professional opinion that
Loughner could be restored to competency to stand trial with eight more
months of treatment.

http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2011/09/28/20110928loughner-mental-competency-hearing-tucson-brk28-ON.html