— Brooke McAbee
Third-year English student
Clearly, there are legal precedents and reasoned arguments for allowing those who truly do not realize the gravity of their actions to have reduced sentences or to be acquitted of their crimes. While we may allow the use of this defense for conditions that do greatly interfere with judgement to such a degree as to render the victim unaware of the consequences of his actions, there is little evidence that Loughner's mental issues extended to such a degree. While I hesitate to judge Jared Loughner, I doubt that his condition is such that the insanity defense will succeed.
— Samruddhi Somani
First-year economics student
Only truly delusional mentally ill suspects should be found insane instead of guilty. The defense must prove that the defendant is incapable of telling right from wrong. This is an extremely high burden and is rarely achieved. Unfortunately, we do not know all of the information regarding Loughner's mental state. The only people who will hear all the information will be the twelve jury members during his trial and it will be up to them to determine how out of touch with reality he is.
— Michelle Fantone
Fourth-year political science and sociology student
Last time I checked, murder is murder. If he claims to have mental abnormalities and can prove these, he should be put in an institute of mental rehabilitation for a part of or the whole of his sentence. Jared Loughner committed a truly disgusting and heinous crime against society and humanity. He should be sentenced the same as any other murderer, but an attempt should be made to rehabilitate and treat him while serving his sentence.
— Stephen Barry
First-year broadcast journalism student
Why are we jumping to any conclusions on this? Last week, we were saying that Jared Loughner was a domestic terrorist. This week, we're saying he's mentally insane. This unfortunate episode reveals more about the concept of American justice these days than it ever could about civility in political debate or mental health. Sometimes, when cases are as high-profile as this shooting, public opinion tends to override these procedures. Let's take this one step at a time. Start with a psychological evaluation to determine whether he's competent enough to stand trial for murder, then go from there. Let's not jump; let's find justice for these people.
— Austin Jackson
Third-year political science student
We live in a nation of laws and therefore it will be up to a jury of Mr. Loughner's peers to decide whether he is not guilty by reason of insanity. I can only hope and pray that the victims of this tragedy receive the justice that they and their loved ones so badly deserve.
— Hakeem Jefferson
Fourth-year political science and African American studies student
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