Arizona shooting suspect Jared Loughner will be assigned one of the best public defenders in the country. Veteran federal public defender Judy Clarke has been assigned to represent Jared Loughner in federal court, according to NPR.
Jared Loughner could face the federal death penalty. Federal law requires that if the death penalty is sought by prosecutors, an attorney with death penalty experience be assigned to defend the defendant.
Judy Clarke appears to have her work cut out for her as investigators revealed that they have located a safe that contains an envelope with Loughner’s handwriting that states, “I planned ahead, “my assassination,” and “Gabrielle Giffords,” CNN reports. They also found a letter from Gabrielle Giffords thanking Jared Loughner for attending a 2007 political event like the one where the shooting took place.
If appointed as expected, Judy Clarke will be by Jared Loughner’s side when he faces the federal charges against him. It is also possible that impending state charges could be consolidated in federal court, depending on how a judge rules.
Related Resources:
- Could Feds Give Jared Loughner Death Penalty? (FindLaw’s Blotter Blog)
- Famed ‘Unabomber’ Lawyer Judy Clarke May Defend Tucson Shooting Suspect Jared Lee Loughner (NY Daily News)
- Public Defenders by State (FindLaw)
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