Military judge orders mental health exam for suspected USS Cole bomber News
Military judge orders mental health exam for suspected USS Cole bomber
Photo source or description

[JURIST] Colonel James Pohl, the military judge presiding over the trial of suspected USS Cole bomber Abd al-Rahim al-Nashiri [JURIST news archive], on Monday ordered a mental health examination for the defendant to determine whether he is competent to stand trial. Nashiri is accused of masterminding the suicide bombing of the USS Cole [BBC backgrounder] in 2000 that left 17 dead and 40 injured. The CIA used enhanced interrogation techniques [Miami Herald report] on Nashiri, including water-boarding, and his defense counsel has claimed that he has post traumatic stress disorder as a result. In response, the government requested [trial transcripts] the examination under Rule 706 of the Manual for Courts-Martial [text, PDF]. However, Pohl will hear expert testimony from Dr. Vincent Iacopino of the University of Minnesota Medical School, a leading expert on the proper methods for examining those who have been tortured, before assembling a three doctor panel to assess Nashiri’s mental health.

Monday’s ruling came after Pohl refused to halt [JURIST report] further hearing in response to unsubstantiated allegations by defense counsel that the government was eavesdropping on private conversations with their client. Last month, Pohl denied a motion by Nashiri’s lawyers to to dismiss the alleged violations of the Military Commissions Act (MCA) [text, PDF] on the grounds that the bombing occurred “prior to the commencement of hostilities” between the US and al Queda. Pohl, who is also presiding over the trial of alleged 9/11 conspirators, approved a request [JURIST report] by the government to censor testimony by the defendants with respect to alleged use of enhanced interrogation techniques.

THIS DAY @ LAW

Pope Urban II sparks First Crusade

Pope Urban II threw his support behind what would become the First Crusade on November 27, 1095 during the Council of Clairmont. The Pope urged the council's participants to render aid to the Byzantine Empire, which was being attacked by the Seljuks. Pope Urban called for a wide coalition of rich and poor to combat the threat, which eventually resulted in the conquest of much of the Muslim-controlled Levant by the Crusaders and the establishment of the Crusader States. Read Pope Urban's address.  

Catholic Code of Canon Law revised

On November 27, 1983, the revised Code of Canon Law of the Roman Catholic Church went into effect. Learn more about the history of Canon Law from Professor Kenneth Pennington of the Catholic University of America's Columbus School of Law.

Alfred Nobel creates Nobel Prize in his will

On November 27, 1895, Alfred Nobel signed his will, creating the Nobel Prize. Learn more about the history of the Nobel Prize and the Nobel Commission.