Fort Hood shooting suspect will represent himself in court

FORT HOOD, TX - NOVEMBER 5: Soldiers salute at a remembrance service for the 13 victims killed in the Ft. Hood attacks on the one year anniversary in Killeen, Texas on November 5, 2010. Major Nidal Malik Hasan, an army psychiatrist, is currently standing trial for killing 13 and wounding 30 during a shooting rampage on November 5, 2009. (Photo by Ben Sklar/Getty Images)

A military judge has allowed Maj. Nidal Hasan to represent himself in court. Hasan is charged in a 2009 Fort Hood shooting rampage that killed 13 people and wounded more than two dozen.

A military judge has allowed Maj. Nidal Hasan to represent himself in court. Hasan is charged in a 2009 Fort Hood shooting rampage that killed 13 people and wounded more than two dozen. Hasan has asked for another three months to prepare his defense and said he will use a "defense of others" argument, according to the Associated Press.

How common is it for suspects to represent themselves in military court? Why would he be allowed to defend himself? What could Hasan be considering as a defense?

Guests:
Ray Locker, National Security Editor for USA Today

Geoffrey S. Corn, Professor of Law at South Texas College of Law; retired lieutenant colonel and veteran army prosecutor