The Teflon Judge
Sunday, February 13, 2011 at 5:10PM During the closing remarks of the final presidential debate between then candidate Ronald Reagan and President Jimmy Carter, the GOP hopeful asked the nation a simple question, “Are you better off now than you were four years ago?” As simple as it was, the query was powerful and poignant enough to resonate deeply within the minds of the American people, who went on to elect Reagan as our 40th president. The rest, they say, is history.
Today, just over 30 years later, I’d like to ask Casey Anthony’s defense team, particularly Jose Baez and Cheney Mason, a very similar question. Are you better off now than you were one year ago? Actually, by the time Casey goes to trial, by that I mean sitting in the courtroom facing a jury, precisely 2 years and 11 months will have passed since Caylee was last seen alive. For the first month, Casey was living la bella vita, although it was probably more la vida loco, until she was stopped dead in her tracks by her own flesh and blood; her mother. From there, it quickly plummeted from a lofty peak to the depth of the deepest ocean. I’m only interested in the past year, though. A lot of serious changes have taken place. One year ago today, Judge Stan Strickland sat firmly on the bench. Did the defense do the right thing by filing the motion for his recusal?
On January 25 of last year, Casey pleaded guilty to 13 third-degree felony fraud charges. She threw herself at the mercy of the court and came out a convicted felon, but ultimately, she was given no more time behind bars. Judge Strickland sentenced her to time served. In my opinion, that showed how fair, just and lenient - yes, lenient - he was. He could have slapped her silly, and the defense might have taken that punishment as a good sign; what to look forward to from this judge down the road. Instead, they threw caution to the wind. As a matter of fact, two days later, I wrote on my The Wisdom of Solomon post:
Judge Strickland gave the defense an opportunity to challenge the charges. We can discuss the lack of brevity or the levity of the arguments, but let’s cut to the chase – it came down to the judge. First, it should be noted that Casey had no prior convictions and she did make full restitution and Baez did bring up “equal justice” for his client. He asked for one year of probation and credit for time served, rather than the five years of incarceration the State sought. In the end, His Honor sentenced the 23-year-old Casey to (jail) time served – 412 days – plus $5,517.75 in investigative costs and $348 for court. The amount may be discussed and negotiated at a later motion hearing because the defense found the investigative charge too high and not justifiable. He also adjudicated Casey guilty on six of the fraud counts and withheld adjudication on seven, plus he tacked on a year of supervised probation, which could be problematic and complex later on, given that she still faces a huge mountain of charges ahead.
I finished the article with:
This was a sign of things to come, and what I saw was a very compassionate man behind the bench.
In his ruling, the judge wrote:
“I’ve done what I thought is fair based on what I know.”
One year ago, on February 12, I wrote on Why Casey Pleaded Guilty to Fraud:
Personally, I think the defense risked it all and I think it was the right call. Aside from any appeals, which she would lose had she gone a different route, she took her chances with a well-respected judge; one with a very fair track record. The Honorable Stan Strickland is not a hanging judge and odds were, he was going to mete out some fair medicine, certainly after she swallowed all 13 bitter pills.
What went wrong after that? Clearly, everyone knew that Judge Strickland was fair. Some argued too fair. Meanwhile, the defense filed motion after motion and in most cases, the judge denied them, but he based his decisions on case law, something somewhat alien to the defense as we have seen time after time.
It’s a fact no one can deny; that Judge Strickland heard the most motions this defense has filed to date. In the more than 20 months he held court, he judged wisely, and it is because of his focus and direction that this trial has stayed the course. Last January 25, the State submitted its NOTICE OF FILING that included a PROPOSED ORDER SETTING DISCOVERY, MOTION and HEARING DEADLINES and TRIAL DATE. On March 5, the judge responded with his AMENDED PROPOSED ORDER SETTING DISCOVERY, MOTION and HEARING DEADLINES and TRIAL DATE. I strongly recommend that you read Judge Strickland’s order. There, you will see all of the deadlines and a trial date of May 9, 2011. The State originally wanted May 2, but the judge accommodated Andrea Lyon, whose daughter was to graduate college that week. It is of importance to note that Judge Perry is following the schedule set by his predecessor. As a matter of fact, he has allowed deadlines to come and go, and in some instances, has reset them, primarily for the defense. In any event, this trial has been on schedule since the date was first set by Judge Strickland and it’s important to remember that. Today, Andrea Lyon is long gone and Judge Perry could have readily reset the date back to May 2. He didn’t.
Judge Strickland scheduled an indigency hearing for March 18, 2010. It was at that hearing that J. Cheney Mason made his debut. I remember it well because it was almost comical as he made his grand entrance outside the courtroom doors. While awaiting to enter, we all stood there. As he approached with Baez and Lyon, one journalist asked him if he was joining the defense team, to which he responded, “I will be in about five minutes or so once the judge arrives.” The comical part was that I had never seen so many thumbs tap away on cell phones. Tap, tap, tap. Text, text, text. It was the big news of the day up to that point. Of course, we remember the discourse between the judge and Mason:
If you watch the video, you’ll see I said to “Stay Tuned for Round 2!” Of course, the second round was a knockout blow to the judge, but did the defense really win anything? Well, yes. Sort of. The judge did grant Ms. Anthony indigent status, but everything went downhill from there. After a series of motions¹ denied by the judge, this defense showed how disgruntled it was with Strickland by filing the ridiculous motion on April 16 for him to step down. The DEFENDANT, CASEY MARIE ANTHONY’S AMENDED MOTION TO DISQUALIFY TRIAL JUDGE (amended version refiled Monday to correct expired notary) was filed at 4:48 pm on a Friday afternoon and it left the judge and myself incredibly shocked in what turned out to be a very bad, and I mean a VERY BAD, weekend to agonize. Of course, the people who matter in this (what I would call) legal fissure were quick to assure me it wasn’t my fault; that it was purely a defense strategy. In any case, the point of this article is not to argue the merits of the defense strategy as it relates to me, it’s all about whether or not this was a move in the right direction for the defendant. I must say that to a person, I was told, “Be careful what you wish for” in reference to the defense, and those words came from professionals in every field that had an element of interest in the case - journalists and attorneys, civil and criminal. It was a bad move.
What came down was simple and I’ve mentioned it before - Cheney Mason decided to throw his weight around the courthouse. By that, I mean he thought he had some big brass chips to trade in to get the judge of his choice; one who would be more inclined to remove the death penalty and be more amenable to his motions. I also know that the entire courthouse was stunned when the defense filed the motion to recuse. Strickland was (and remains to this day) one of the most respected judges on the circuit court. As a matter of fact, he’s highly regarded throughout the state. What Mason did was blow a circuit breaker. In the end, and there are things I’d love to discuss but won’t until the trial is over, Chief Judge Belvin Perry, Jr. had no choice but to take on the case. No other judge wanted it and his docket was not as thick. It’s called a backfire.
Today, after the defense changed horses in midstream, is their defendant better off? Let’s see… many of Judge Strickland’s orders were left with the door ajar. In other words, they were ordered without prejudice, which means they could change some of the language and refile the same motions, which is exactly what they did after Perry took over². Did the judge overturn any of Strickland’s decisions? Not a one. Nothing. Zip. Zil. Nada. Do I feel subsequent motions ruled by Perry would have the same outcome today had the defense stayed the course? Yes, absolutely. Strickland did not become a reputable circuit court judge by making many mistakes. As I’ve also stated many times, the defense went from Strickland to stricter.
COMES NOW, the recent defense motions denied by the presiding judge:
- The motion to exclude testimony that Casey had a history of lying and stealing. The judge wrote the State successfully argued that getting caught lying and stealing by her relatives may have provided a motive to rid herself of the financial and social burden of raising a young child. Also, the lies are inextricably intertwined with the evidence of the defendant’s activities between June 16, 2008 to July 15, 2008. “Evidence of a defendant’s collateral acts is not admissible to show bad character or a propensity to commit the crime charged,” wrote the judge in his ruling. “However, the state may be able to introduce evidence of collateral acts – such as lying or stealing – which are inextricably intertwined with the crime charged if necessary to adequately describe the deed, provide an intelligent account of the crime charged, establish the entire context out of which the charged crime arose or adequately describe the events leading up to the charged crime.”
- The motion to prohibit the use of references attributed to her Myspace Diary of Days. The defense argued that her posts weren’t relevant and that they were unfair to use at trial. The State countered by saying the posts were inconsistent with a mother actively looking for her kidnapped daughter. The judge wrote, “It is relevant to show the defendant’s state of mind during the time when Caylee Marie Anthony was missing and ultimately, when it was determined that she had died. The weight of this evidence is a matter for the jury.”
- The motion to exclude testimony from the neighbor, Brian Burner, who Casey borrowed a shovel from him. The judge decided, “There is nothing inherently prejudicial about borrowing a shovel, nor is a shovel ‘gruesome’ evidence that would tend to inflame the passions of the jury.”
- The motion to disallow jurors from learning about the La Bella Vita tattoo Casey got on July 2, 2008, roughly 2 weeks after Caylee’s disappearance. The judge wrote, “There is nothing inherently prejudicial about tattoos, which are increasingly prevalent among the population, nor is this particular tattoo likely to inflame the passions of the jury. Thus, the potentially prejudicial effect of this evidence does not outweigh its potentially probative value. It is relevant to show the defendant’s state of mind during the time when Caylee Marie Anthony was missing and ultimately, when it was determined that she had died.”
I don’t think I need to mention the impatience of Judge Perry with this defense. We have all seen it live, up close and personal. Come hell or high water, there will be no delays. More motions will be filed. The court must address some outstanding ones, too, like the one to exclude any references of the decomposition odor coming from Casey’s car. The motion also makes note of statements made by an Oak Ridge National Laboratory official who described chloroform levels recovered from a piece of carpet removed from the trunk liner. There’s also the matter of the stain in the trunk and whether it was organic in nature. The FBI could not make a determination, but Oak Ridge wrote that it showed the presence of “volatile fatty acids consistent with the byproducts of decomposition.” Once again, I’m afraid the judge will rightly allow the jury to hear arguments from both sides.
As I’ve said a hundred times, a good defense will throw everything in its arsenal at the wall in hopes that something sticks. I must say I can’t blame them, but in a sense, Baez & Company remind me of the Democratic party under Ronald Reagan’s reign, at least during his first term. He was given the nickname the Teflon President by the media because nothing seemed to stick. In his administration, it dealt with scandals, but in Judge Perry’s court, it’s all about defense motions. No matter what they file, there isn’t much that sticks. If I were Casey, I’d be nervous right now. Her defense seems to be moving from the frying pan into the fire, and that’s no recipe for success.
Dave Knechel | tagged Jimmy Carter, Ronald Ragan, Teflon President | in Andrea D. Lyon, Andrea Lyon, Brian Burner, Capital Punishment, Casey Anthony, Caylee Anthony, Cheney Mason, Chief Judge Belvin Perry, Dave Knechel, David B. Knechel, David Knechel, Death Penalty, FBI, Forensics, Human Interest, Jose Baez, Judge Stan Strickland, La Bella Vita, Marinade Dave, Marinade Dave Knechel, Marinade Dave’s Caylee Anthony Posts, Ninth Circuit Court, Ninth Judicial Circuit, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Orange County Circuit Court, marinadedave | Share Article | 1 Reference 
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Reader Comments (119)
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Legal experts say the Casey Anthony trial could be the first time in Orlando that MySpace postings may be used to try and convict someone of capital murder.
Judge Belvin Perry ruled that the postings in question could be introduced during the trial, but prosecutors still have some hurdles to clear.
Read more and watch video here....
WESH Video
Casey Trial Evidence Breaks Legal Ground
Use of MySpace Postings First In Local Capital Case, Experts Say
The Casey Anthony defense team is being accused of misstating facts to the court — and the complaint comes from a Knoxville-based court reporting service hired to handle deposition transcripts.
Gerald Stogsdill wrote a letter to Chief Judge Belvin Perry Feb. 8, explaining a dispute over payment for deposition transcripts between his firm, Stogsdill Court Reporting Services, and Anthony attorneys Cheney Mason and Jose Baez.
"It obviously has been represented to Your Honor that my office had initially agreed to provide court reporting services at rates significantly lower than normal rates and then refused to honor the discounted rate, and I believe the reason given the Court was my alleged claim that the job was difficult and took more time than expected," Stogsdill wrote.
"These statements are not true," he continued. "I cannot ignore the attack on my integrity and reputation without responding."
The dispute appears to be over the service's standard rates and what the state of Florida pays for transcription services for indigent clients like Casey Anthony through the Justice Administrative Commission.
Read more here at source....
Orlando Sentinel
Court reporter accuses Casey Anthony defense team of misstating facts in court
Interesting, Snoopy. I will go take a peek. Thank you.
It's good to see so many familiar names here, Dave. :-)
Wow, Snoopy! Yet another misrepresentation of facts in a court of law by the Baez team. I'm wondering if all these misrepresentations will amount to a basis for an appeal. First Macaluso, then Strickland reported Baez to the bar, now someone else. To me this, along with the misrepresentations in court, just might lead to a grounds for appeal. I'm not that familiar with the law but it seems to me things are just piling up against the defense lawyers personally and I don't know if a future lawyer could say that affected the councel Casey received. Interesting.
mmmm, mmmm, mmmm, I loves me some poached eggs! And Snoopy !
Hello Feathers, LTNS, great to see you! I don't have the patience of a saint (one of my fb friends does) but I can copy and paste with the best of them, the sentiment is heartfelt just the same :)
Well, this is interesting. It's a video done by WESH2 about media coverage and finding an impartial jury. It only goes to show what I was saying about the coverage being mainly there in Orlando. Outside of Orlando and the immediate area this is just another "mother kills child" case. Baez always says "this case is different" and sometimes I feel like he's referring to media coverage instead of death penalty. Sometimes a person gets so immersed into one case that they can't see what's going on around them. Yes, the case got nationwide coverage but then so did Kyron Horman, Haleigh Cummings, and Zahra Baker. We hear just as much about them as we do Caylee Anthony up here in Jacksonville. According to this video it looks like they only need to steer clear of Tampa/St Petersburg and Orlando areas in order to find a fair and impartial jury. I don't think Judge Perry will travel far.
WESH2 Media coverage video
conniefl~~it is definitely not looking good for Baez. All these things are going to add up to Baez losing his license to practise anywhere, for a lifetime.
This Gerald Stogsdill says he has the back and forth emails to Baez to substantiate what he is telling Judge Perry. When the trial is over, I think the action will continue with charges and complaints against several individuals, PI's and lawyers included. I don't think Geo, Cindy and Lee can breathe easily. It seems, no matter who gets involved in this case, they become tainted in some way. The smart ones such as, Lenamon, Lyon and Linda Kenny Baden made their exit.
If Casey gets the DP, which I doubt, there is an automatic appeal. I can see her screaming ineffective counsel when the verdict comes back. I remember Judge Strickland, way back when, asked Casey if she was satified with her legal counsel and she said yes. I wonder what she would answer today. She seems to be infatuated with Baez from all appearances in the courtroom.
We still have some things pending.... Dominic Casey, Mark Hawkins and Brandon Snow, just for a few. The state have their work cut out for them to condense all the evidence and info down so it is presentable at trial. I do not envy them that task.
I don't recall ever seeing Mallory Parker, Lee's girlfriend's state deposition. Did I miss it? I believe she was deposed around the same time that Dominic Casey was supposed to be. I stilll wonder if he turned states evidence.
Conniefl, I just hope Judge Perry doesn't pick one of the counties that Baez wanted. I doubt if he would since it would cause an objection from the state.
katfish, hey there. I love poached eggs too. They are my favorite. Dave reminds me of a hard boiled egg. The ones where the shells are too stubborn to get off in one piece, no matter how much you smash them...not that I want to see him shellless...LOL If I had to describe Dave as an egg, it would be one that is half cracked.
I think Cheny Mason is just as responsible as Baez for the misrepresentations to the court about the transcription service. IIRC, it was Mason who argued the motion asking the court to order the JAC to pay the extra ($800?) and the firm says they have e-mails from both attorneys. The fact the media is reporting this letter tells me Judge Perry must have had the letter added to the record. They just dig a deeper and deeper hole.
Haha Snoopy, I tried to go back and edit my post to say that my copy and paste talents may qualify me as a poacher too :) but I ran out of time.
I wish the jury could come from the Tampa/ St. Pete area.....I'd love to see one of my family or friends on the jury. (I doubt they would love to do it....majority have no interest in this case beyond amusing me.....strangely enough, my 10 and 11 year old nieces are very aware of and interested in the case)
I can't remember what areas Baez black listed.. just Jacksonville and Tampa. There is no way Judge Perry is going to cost the state any more than absolutely necessary in sitting a jury and even in Tampa I imagine they can find 13. I know they could up here in Jacksonville. Baez liked Miami.
Mallory gave her deposition but for some reason it hasn't been released. Odd. I wonder what she had to say that they're keeping under wraps!
To answer someone's question about Cindy and George staying married. If they're still together, they'll probably stay together since Cindy's mother said the reason for not going through with the divorce was that Cindy found out she would have to divide everything 50/50. Since she was the main breadwinner, they stayed married.
Yes, Feathers, it a geat to see familiar and friendly names. I'm honored.
Connie - I've often thought that Jacksonville would be the most ideal location to choose a jury. With only 5% coverage, it will certainly be in the running. Also, despite the attorneys staying in hotels under assumed names and the jury being sequestered the whole time, it's still not as far as West Palm Beach, another location with the same coverage as Jax.
Dave I Just received an e mail ...wich I didnt open saying you have a new post up...I see you havent so will delete it ..The e mail reads Marinace Dave,,Shoot the ,,,,,,,,
E Mail .... reads,,, please go to my main.....
Ecossie - I did put up a quick link to this blog, but I wasn't aware that the blog I posted it on would send out that e-mail. Just ignore it. Thanks for letting me know and I'm sorry for any inconvenience.
Hi Snoops and Dave. Snoopy, this Baez-Cheney train just keeps rolling, the farther it goes the more rattled it becomes and it is getting close to the station. Does this complaint also include Mason?. Didn't I hear him tell Judge Perry that he had never been sanctioned? Is Baez so sure of himself he thought he could get away with it? Does this mean that Brad Conway may not have reported his accusation? Thanks in advance for answers. You two are great.
Another great post Dave, I love it how your horse burst out of the gate into a fast gallop and flies to the finish line leaving nothing but dust in his wake..The more i read the faster I read so I always have to do it twice.
I agree the Defense cut off their nose to spite their own faces getting rid of Judge Strickland..He was kind and fair and so knowledgable..Judge Perry is much stricter..I can tell a lot about how he's going to rule cause he starts this little bounce in his seat and the corners of his mouth gets a tiny grin...Then BAM! I love trying to read him but sometimes he surprises me. But I love surprises.
I do have a big concern Dave..We have become so dependent on you for your coverage of all that goes on at the courthouse..Heaven forbid, But what are we to do if you have a personal tragedy to take care of or you get ill? Is there anyone to cover for you? You can't leave us hanging..I really am a very selfish person, arent I?
Thank you, GLENDA. I try to pace myself and set a rhythm to my writing and it's good to know I achieve that once in a while.
Absolutely, I meant every word of what I wrote, and you know, I could have said more, but I didn't want to lose that rhythm, you know. Usually, I know how the judge is going to rule by the way the motions are written and whether they have merit or not. For example, the defense seldom offers case law while the state always does. That makes a big difference, but in some cases, I also realize that there isn't much case law backing up their motions because they are just flinging stuff at the wall. Most of the judge's decisions amount to common sense, too. Sure, the defense is going to try to have every piece of evidence thrown out, but it's not going to work.
As for me, I plan on attending. We'll see how it works out, but I'm certainly not thinking about any kind of personal tragedy. I'll just take things one day at a time. Thanks for worrying about me. I wouldn't be planning on attending every day, anyway. Too much for me. I'd never have time to write.
Dave: What do you think of this?
Casey Prosecutor: New Defense Witness List Missed Deadline
Check out who one of the witnesses is!
Nan11,
Thank you for this link, how interesting WFTV reporter Kathi Belich is listed and the question is why?
What an amazing post Dave, it truly is amazing. I love the way you put things in the right perspective. It is hard to believe that in less than three months the trial will start. We have waited a long time for this, justice will finally be served for Caylee. I truly believe that Casey will not only be fund Guilty, but will be given the Death Penalty. The jury will not see a young mother, they will see a cold blooded killer of a baby.
They may try to say Kathi planted the duct tape, she discovered it on posters.Now I am being as crazy as they are Kathi replaces Kronk. All I want is to see this trial for little Caylee to get underway. They are making me nervous now wondering what next.
What? Casey isn't on her own amended defense witness list
Kathi Belich is listed but no room for wee Casey to sqeak in her own defence..............................
Why Kathi B listed? Spite of course .Both Baez an Mason hate her an want her excluded from the courtroom dureing trial....J Perry will bounce this out of the court......
Nan11 - I don't think much of it at all. By that, I mean this defense is not doing anything to show them much respect for. As for Kathi Belich, I wonder if they want to call her on the stand to explain how prejudiced she has been, along with the rest of the media, although she stands out the most to them. I'm not agreeing with it, but I think that may be the motive.
Why, thank you VERY much, Peggy! I'm tickled you love the way I put things in perspective. Yup, less than 3 months, but from that date until the very end, it may mean another 2 months or so after that. The trial should last 6 weeks or more.
Ecossie, that could be, but I also think it may have something to do with promoting that Casey could never get a fair trial because of media poisoning.
Dave, Great insights,when I come home from work I enjoy catching up on the latest news about this case. I am greatful that the trial starts after April 15rth. (April 17th this year).Tax Season! I do hope you will be in the court room to give us an up close and personal account for all future hearings.
Dave: But if they call her as a witness, doesn't that mean that she won't be able to report on the trial? I think this could be their motive. Unless, they want to ask her some questions about the picture she found held up by duct tape?
Dave, I am with Nan11. Kathi Belich is the one who noticed that a piece of the rare Henkel duct tape was holding up that picture of Caylee. If the defense has her on the witmess list, they probably want to prove that she is not credible by being biased in reporting the news. In this way, the defense thinks they can dissolve the evidence of that rare duct tape. It sounds like some of Mason's doing but the state can cross examine and possibly get that pic of the tape in.
Nan11, I cannot see any reason why Kathi Belich would not be able to cover the trial. The trial is estimated to last for a couple of months and Kathi has to eat.
If the defense or state puts the two jailbirds on the witness list, it would be laughable.
The defense's witness list in question includes so-called jailhouse snitches Robyn Adams and Maya Derkovic.
Here is some more info compliments of Nan11, who is the best sleuth around.
If you get a few minutes, take a listen to Mr. Sheaffer's video. It about the complaint filed yesterday; but, as always, his opinions are insightful. (and intelligent.)
For convenience, I will link it here:
Bill Sheaffer
I think what struck me the most is what he has to say about Mr. Mason. Why would Mr. Mason allow an attorney of lesser stature to affect his reputation? Well, I guess Mr. Mason must be thinking that none of this will stick to him?
Or, :lol: maybe I'm wrong and this isn't even what Mr. Sheaffer meant.
Snoop: I think the State of Florida has a law about the sequestration of witnesses. So, I'm not sure, but the Defense might be trying to block her from covering the trial by putting her name on the witness list.
Dave, I don't think Kathi Belich has been that prejudiced. Kathi just reports what is out there and that is, the state has a strong case. It wouldn't be any use for Kathi to follow Ashton or Burdick because they don't kiss and tell. How could Kathi taint a prospective jury if they are going to be picked in another county? There are a select few who do not like Kathi because she is first, a woman, and second , a damn good reporter. Kathi and Bill Sheaffer make a great team!
Nan11, my goodness, I have never heard tell of sequestering witnesses. I know they sequester the jurors. Maybe they just ban the witness from the courtroom and only allow them in when they testify. How will the ever keep all those witnesses from watching the trial on the tv?
Snoop: It does seem like a Catch 22 doesn't it. I guess they just sequester them in "good faith"? Can you imagine Cindy not being glued to the TV during the trial?
Maybe there is something Kathi can file that would allow her to report on the trial and just remain "sequestered" for the day of her testimony? (But, the Judge might not allow the amended Defense witness list in at all.)
Nan11, I can't for the life of me figure out why Baez would put Kathi on the witness stand. It would be suicidal. I think the deadline has passed for new witnesses anyway. Baez and Mason have to remember that whoever they put on the stand, the state gets to cross examine them. The only connection that I can see to Kathi and this case is that Henkel duct tape on that poster of Caylee. Kathi is not the only reporter who will be reporting on this trial. Bob Kealing is a great reporter and there are other good ones. I do not like Longo and avoid him like the plague.
Snoop: Kathi gets right in there, though, and asks the tough questions. (And takes abuse for it, too!) I'm still wondering why no footage was ever released of the dispute near the elevator after the last status hearing.
Also, I absolutely agree that there are many good reporters. It just that Kathi's reports are some of the first I read on Caylee's case, and I just think it would be a shame if she couldn't be there at the end, as a reporter. It would probably be good for her career as well, which she certainly deserves.
WFTV has said they'll fight putting Kathi Belich on the stand either for the defense or the prosecution because her roll is as a reporter not a witness to anything. Personally, I think Judge Perry is going to use this witness list addendum as his first example of "if it's not submitted on time, it won't be allowed" and more power to him. It's like Baez is just pushing his buttons now.
Dave, I don't think Baez likes Jacksonville because being a large city we have a lot of crime and the average every day juror isn't going to be as sentimental as one from a smaller place. I hear of murders every day up here, or a murderer going on trial and hardly any deemed "not guilty". We're a toughened lot up here, so I doubt Baez will like people from Jacksonville. Judge Perry might though. I'd say we are pretty much on a par with Orlando for crime.
Wow! I logged in, and by the time I submitted my post I was logged out! Sorry for making more work for ya, Dave! lol
Having to log in all the time is a pain, even for me, Connie. I might ask why the time frame is so short.
Jacksonville has been my city of choice for some time now. I think it's the most convenient city and, in many respects, it's close to the same demographics as Orlando. Who knows? Maybe the judge will surprise us all. Of course, Ann Finnell is from there, so the state may object because of it somehow being an advantage to the defense.
Dave, is Ft. Myers demographically about the same as Orlando or is it much smaller? It may be too far from Orlando also, plus George has family from there so they probably wouldn't pick that area. If they don't go with Jacksonville what other areas other than Tampa, Miami and the areas that Baez wanted would be close to what Orlando is?
I love that the Sunshine State has the Sunshine laws..I live less then 100 miles from where Zahra Baker was murdered and we know very little about that. As far as I know the Father that "allegedly" cut her in to pieces is still walking the streets and the Step Mom is in jail on charges other than murder. That does not speak well for us.
I found a website that lists the 10 largest cities in Fl as of 2008:
Jacksonville: 852,450
Miami: 395,434
Tampa: 336,264
St. Petersburg: 253,369
Orlando: 228,765
Hialeah: 228,528
Fort Lauderdale: 179,971
Tallahassee: 176,429
Cape Coral: 164,523
Port St. Lucie: 155,315
Demographics are something else but it looks like the ones Baez doesn't want are the ones on a par with Orlando. Ft. Meyers population for the same time period was 65,394. The closest one besides Jacksonville, to me, seems to be Tallahassee. But they're not going to go just by population though. Like one news cast says, they'll have to take in news saturation for one thing.
Mary Jo - It's not the size of the cities that matter, it's the county, since Casey will be tried in Orange County. The population is around 1,100,000. Ft. Myers is in Lee County and the population is around 600,000. There are other factors to consider, but Jacksonville is in Duval County and the population is around 860,000. Palm Beach County is close to Orange, with about 1,200,000, but Miami-Dade comes in at over 2,500,000, hardly close to Orange.
Maybe I should write about the options, you think?