I was so wrong yesterday when I thought she’d testify. I can hardly believe it. I just can’t see how she will go down without speaking her mind. All the things that she wanted to say while testimony was being given. Where will she store that info? There’s very little room in that skull of hers. Is it enough for her to spout off with her attorneys and let the jury decide her fate? I think not.
I think they have her on medication, frankly. Something like Haldol. Low dose and cheap. I've never taken it, but I know a few perfectly normal people (psychiatry residents, not psychotic; a couple of "recreational" users who were college students) who decided to take it to see what it's like.
They say it's like having one's mind squeezed down into a smaller space, like a windowless room. The thoughts that used to come flooding or trickling into consciousness go away. They found it difficult to talk at the time (moreso than real patients, who will not have that almost zombie effect until they hit a higher dose). None of these people liked it, not one little bit - but they weren't psychotic.
The theory is that patients who need the drug no longer have their hallucinations or paranoia or delusions, because, well, their brain is on lockdown. So the real estate in T's skull may be very small indeed, right now. She did, however, giggle during the presentation of her ridiculous Google search terms. I almost want to say that, for T., her current state (if she's medicated, which I believe her to be) is "calm" (probably for the first time in her life). She's able to reflect on what's going on around her, but her longterm vested interest in her own life has nearly vanished.
I could be completely wrong, of course. But putting patients on meds to get them able to stand trial is something I've seen many times (in CA). The right dose allows them to have a few thoughts about their own defense, but certainly cuts down on violent behavior, outbursts and, well, the strong urge to talk or move around.
IMO.
fitness in during court session. Most likely that chair will need replaced once trial is completely over. moo
