Judge to Media: Sign Confidentiality Pact to Find Out Where Casey Anthony Jury Selection Will Occur
Anticipating that the upcoming trial of Casey Anthony for the 2008 murder of her two-year-old daughter will be the biggest courtroom media event in state history, a Florida judge is requiring media organizations to sign a confidentiality agreement if they want to know in advance where the jury will be selected.
The unusual approach is necessary, says Orange-Osceola Chief Judge Belvin Perry, to provide Anthony, 25, with a fair trial, reports the Orlando Sentinel.
News coverage to date has “never been seen in the history of this state,” Perry said, and the trial could potentially be a bigger media event than the 1995 California trial of former football star O.J. Simpson in the murder of his ex-wife and a male companion that some considered the “trial of the century.”
A number of media organizations objected and last week filed a motion for reconsideration. Perry denied it today.
Anthony’s trial is expected to begin next week.
Related coverage:
ABAJournal.com: “Mom Charged With Murder in Case of Missing Florida Toddler”
ABAJournal.com: “Child’s Remains Found Near Home of Missing Caylee Anthony”
ABAJournal.com: “Accused of Being ‘Self-Aggrandizing Media Hound,’ Casey Anthony Judge Steps Down”
ABAJournal.com: “Judge Warns Casey Anthony Murder Case Lawyers: I’ll Fine You $100 Each Time You Talk to Each Other”
