A judge on Wednesday denied the state’s request for a gag order in the case.
A state attorney had requested that Circuit Judge Stan Strickland limit statements by prosecutors, defense attorneys, Orange County investigators and the family of Anthony, although lawyers for both sides had agreed that any gag order should be more narrowly tailored.
Orange County Assistant State’s attorney Jeff Ashton said at Tuesday’s hearing that the girl’s grandparents, Cindy and George Anthony, should be able to discuss their belief that Caylee is alive and their efforts to find her.
Defense attorney Jose Baez said the state has leaked much more information. But Ashton detailed several national television appearances Baez made that he said were designed to influence jurors.
Ashton said that to let it continue would “make it virtually impossible for us to find an impartial jury in the state of Florida, much less Orlando.” “There’s a lot of hot air, but not a whole lot of law,” Baez said of Ashton’s presentation.
Baez said the First Amendment prohibits the government from ordering people what to say except in the case of “clear and present danger.”
In his rebuttal, Ashton cited a Florida Supreme Court ruling that says a judge could impose the order for good cause, not just danger.
”If I go out in front of the cameras right now and say Caylee Anthony is dead, that would be grievous,” Ashton said. “That’s not my job.”
An attorney for a local television station said a gag order now would be moot because there has been so much media coverage giving both guilty and not guilty views.
Strickland also quashed defense subpoenas for several television reporters.
Prosecution and defense attorneys’ arguments sometimes grew heated, causing Strickland to admonish both benches.
”This in enough,” Strickland said, exasperated. “Someone’s facing life imprisonment. Let’s act like we’re supposed to.”
Anthony told authorities she had left her daughter with a baby sitter in June and the two were gone when she returned from work. She said she spent the next month trying to find her daughter and didn’t call authorities because she was scared. Investigators say they have poked several holes in her story
Channel 6 News UPDATED: 12:19 pm EST November 26, 2008
Filed under: Casey Anthony, Jose Baez, caylee anthony , Casey Anthony, caylee anthony, Jose Baez
1st???
It was apparent yesterday that this would be the ruling. Did anyone see Strickland’s face when he found out that Baez had subpoenaed members of the media? It was worth the price of admission.
No i missed it !! Wish i could have tho’. I bet it was priceless !!
What ever happened to that high-priced defense lawyer from Miami who supposedly joined Baez’s defense team? His name is “Linament” or something like that.
It has never been made clear exactly who is paying for Baez. It certainly isn’t the Anthony’s and I am sure he does not come cheap – and neither does the other lawyer from Miami? Anyone has any clues?????
Logical, on November 26th, 2008 at 1:32 pm Said:
It was apparent yesterday that this would be the ruling. Did anyone see Strickland’s face when he found out that Baez had subpoenaed members of the media? It was worth the price of admission.
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I wasn’t watching, but I can just imagine. Remember when Baez tried to change a court appearance on the day Casey was first bonded out of jail because he told the judge he expected a gaggle of reporters to follow him to the Lake County courthouse? He was an hour late for the sentencing, did not apologize for being late, and not one reporter followed him there. Hilarious.
Terence Lenamon is the death-qualified attorney from Miami. He talked to Casey for two hours and wrote that 30-page report giving reasons why the death penalty is not appropriate for Casey Anthony. Beyond that, I do not believe he is going to be on the defense team unless the SA decides to go for the death penalty.
MauraL: Yeah, Judge Stickland was a bit irritated I think! And further, Baez’s behavior has not always been favorable to this particular judge.
Watch your step Mr. Baez – big brother is watching. ha!
MauraL, on November 26th, 2008 at 2:47 pm Said:
Terence Lenamon is the death-qualified attorney from Miami.
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Thanks MauraL. Could not remember his name at all.
Zenga, on November 26th, 2008 at 2:27 pm Said:
What ever happened to that high-priced defense lawyer from Miami who supposedly joined Baez’s defense team? His name is “Linament” or something like that.
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Could I rub him on my head when this case gives me a headache
Ha, BJ! Love it! Knew his name sounded something like linament or lemonade or such. Actually I think someone way back called him lemonhead?
WHY? WHY ? WHY? I dont get it, judge strickland should be ashamed, and has any one noticed judge strickland really seemst give Biaez whatever he asks for the most part.
Laura,
Yes I have noticed that. Maybe he knows what he’s doing, but I thought since the prosecution asked for it, it would be considered more seriously. Judge Strickland got quite upset with the attorneys at the hearing. I thought he was going to spank them.
U have Mail!