Judge rules it’s probable Tucson shooting rampage suspect can be made mentally fit for trial

[alp227]

Source: Associated Press

TUCSON, Ariz. — A federal judge has ruled that the suspect in the Tucson shooting rampage can eventually be made mentally fit to stand trial.

U.S. District Judge Larry Burns on Wednesday extended Jared Lee Loughner’s detention for four more months, saying that “measurable progress has been made” in restoring him to competency.

Loughner has been at a prison facility in Missouri the last four months after Burns found him mentally unfit for trial.

Experts have concluded Loughner suffers from schizophrenia, and prosecutors contend Loughner can be made competent with more mental health treatment. But Loughner’s attorneys argue prosecutors have failed to prove that it’s probable his condition will improve enough.

Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/judge-rules-its-probable-tucson-shooting-rampage-suspect-can-be-made-mentally-fit-for-trial/2011/09/28/gIQAjCsn5K_story.html

[AtheistCrusader]

1. What's the point?

Was he competent when he committed the crime? Obviously not.

[TheMadMonk]

2. You could make that arguement of pretty much every single spree...

...murderer out there.

In fact, without a great stretch, it's possible to wrap that argument around most violent crime.

If he can't be made fit for trial then he can NEVER be made fit for society. Either way this man should never see the light of day again.

[AtheistCrusader]

3. I certainly agree with the latter.

But there can certainly be a lack of criminal capacity at the time. As heinous and vicious as his crime, it might be more appropriate he receive treatment instead. but yes, public safety requires he be separate from the general population, as long as treatment is necessary.

[PurityOfEssence]

4. Such things are not so simple, but that brings the underlying question into light

Maybe he was in full possession of his faculties. Maybe it was a grandiose act to gain attention and rid the world of someone objectionable.

Nope, that doesn't seem to be the case. It seems that he was a mess and scrabbling about with various monetary fantasies and such. Still, there is no proof of that.

The steadfast need to punish rings clear here. It's hard to give a damn about this guy, but has he gotten a fair shake from the system? This need to dub him competent seems like some need to find a way to flush him.

[boppers]

5. The points (It's not just one):

1. Indefinite imprisonment for untreated mental illness is not legal.
2. Trial without being able to understand own your trial is not legal.
3. Being incompetent at the time of your crime is not a permanent defense against punishment.

A lot of reading, if you're interested:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Supreme_Court_cases_involving_mental_health

[AtheistCrusader]

6. Well, sure.

the supreme court has approved of the execution of children, and the mentally handicapped.

Incompetence at the time of the commission of the crime may not be an affirmative defense, but it will certainly modify the range of punishment available. Or likely will. Unless everyone involved is ok with railroading him into a gas chamber or firing squad, or whatever method they use in Arizona these days.

[boppers]

7. "or whatever method they use in Arizona these days"

He was already living in Tucson, so there's not a lot of room for cruel punishment left.

edit:
Maybe they could force him to live in Phoenix.