Gaging the attorneys and media

http://www.cnn.com/2008/CRIME/11/26/caylee.anthony.gag.order/index.html?iref=newssearch
This case is not a media law case; however, it does represent the types of rules and regulations that was brought up in class. For example the prosecution in the State of Florida vs Casey Anthony requested that the judge issue a gag order on the Casey Anthony’s defense team. The case is the highly publicized case of the 22 year old woman charged with killing her 3-year old daughter. The daughter was reported as missing, but she has not been found. The prosecution has a strong case suggesting that Anthony has killed her daughter.
The prosecution contends that the defense team and Anthony family’s lust for “limelight” may sabotage the potential jury pool. The judge stated that the media frenzy will not stop because of the gag order; therefore denying one to be issued. The judge stated that speaking to the media doesn’t rise to the level of being a serious and imminent threat to the administration of justice. The judge did state to the attorneys and media that “Florida bar rules prohibit "extra-judicial comments" that are likely to prejudice the trial. He stressed that "patently false statements" made with the intent to pollute the jury pool will be referred to the Florida bar for disciplinary action.” He reminded the media that a little girl is missing and to be cognizant of that fact. I think this was a wise ruling because sometimes media attention can’t be avoided. Hopefully the jurors can do the right thing and make a fair decision on the case without media bias.