Friday, January 9, 2009

Judge Hauls Casey Anthony Into Court

Casey Anthony, who sits in jail accused of murdering her 3-year-old daughter Caylee, was hauled into court by a judge on Thursday.

As we reported earlier this week, the hearing was to discuss "disturbing" images of the scene where little Caylee's remains were found. Casey's attorneys had initially said that she had waived her right to appear at the hearing, but prosecutors objected, saying the accusmed mom should be ordered into court and questioned. The judge agreed and deputies were sent to the Orange County Jail to fetch Casey. She arrived soon after, wearing her typical jail garb.

After confirming to the judge that she had, in fact, waived her right to appear, the judge ordered Casey to stay for the rest of the hearing. CNN reports she sat expressionless in the courtroom, while the lawyers discussed various issues, including whether restrictions would be placed on the copying of images and X-rays of Caylee's remains and just who can view those pictures.

In Thursday's hearing, the prosecution and defense argued over just who would have access to the photos. Prosecutors are concerned about the defense's desire to copy the photos and send them to their expert witnesses, many of whom are outside of Florida. Their concern is that the pics will end up on the Internet and in the hands of the press. According to the prosecution, the photos are "not necessarily gruesome, but they are disturbing," especially images of Caylee's skull. The defense is arguing that while they don't want the photos to be made public either, they need to have them analyzed by experts to provide the best possible defense of Casey. Both sides eventually agreed to set up a secure website for the experts to view the photographs.

A trial date has not been set for Casey, who faces life in prison if convicted. Prosecutors have said they will not seek the death penalty against her.

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