Trial May,18,2011

Good morning.  CaseyAnthony has just walked into the courtroom.We have 11 jurors (5 men, 6 women). The prosecutors have used 6 peremptory challenges (4 left).The defense has used 9 peremptories (1 left) .Baez and Mason have just entered the courtroom, immediately followed by Clay Sims. Judge Perry takes the bench.Baez says he has a motion he'd like to bring up at this time, "relating to the jury issues." The defense begins its motion, bring up concerns about the way jury selection is being conducted. The defense argues that the way jury selection is being conducted, it will be clear to alternates that they are not part of the main panel.The attorney citeJudge Perry is now quoting case law that he believes supports his actions during voir dire.Judge Perry is quoting  case law in which judges apparently abused their authority regarding jury selection procedures. Ashton says that the original plan was even less favorable to attorneys and argues that the defense should have challenged before now. Ashton also notes he could find no case law barring the separate swearing of core jurors and alternates. Perry calls the #CaseyAnthony trial "a very exceptional case." He defends his decisions, saying he has made sure to protect her rights.At the same time, according to Perry, he has balanced #CaseyAnthony ‘s rights with those rights of prospective jurors. Ultimately, Judge Perry denies the defense motion, saying "We will continue with the process." IN THIS CASE BAEZ DEMONSTRATES HOW IN EXPERIENCED HE IS OR HE IS SETTIING UP FOR AN APPEAL. IMO
.Perry says the next juror came into the courtroom and heard about 20 seconds of the defense argument earlier. He sends for the juror.The next juror is on the stand. He is and African American male in his 30’s. Perry is questioning this juror about his pretrial publicity knowledge. Drane Burdick begins the State's part of the publicity voir dire. Baez begins the defense's publicity voir dire, but only has a few questions. Perry now moves to the question of the death penalty. Ashton now begins the State's death penalty voir dire. Finnell begins the defense death penalty voir dire. Attorney Finnell seems to be on the mend from her bad cold. Her voice sounds a lot stronger today. Before proceeding to the general voir dire of this juror, the judge calls a ten minute recess. Judge Perry has returned to the bench. The potential juror is brought back in.
Prosecutor Drane Burdick begins her general voir dire. When asked if he or anyone close to him has been arrested or convicted of a crime, this potential juror asks to speak about it privately. Judge Perry and attorneys are now at a sidebar, questioning the potential juror in confidence. The sidebar ends. Drane Burdick resumes her general voir dire. Baez begins the defense general voire dire. The voir dire of the potential juror is complete, and he leaves.
 Perry reminds the attorneys there are 15 more potential jurors remaining. Perry asks the attorneys how they'd like to proceed at this point. Baez says that he is trying to ensure that his client gets a fair jury. The judge says part of the problem is "we will not have a facility after tomorrow. I cannot work in a parking lot." The State asks for a brief recess prior to its decision whether or not to excuse this last juror. Court is in recess for 5 minutes. While Casey Anthony remains at her seat, all of the attorneys huddle together with some court officers then the courtroom to talk to Perry. Judge Perry comes back to the bench and asks the attorneys to come to sidebar.The judge and attorneys are at a sidebar. Perry returns to his bench to retrieve a paper, then returns to the sidebar. Sidebar ends and Perry calls for a recess until 1. The last potential juror was struck with a peremptory challenge from the State before the break. Before leaving the stand, Perry said he had spoken to the Pinellas County chief justice, and they will continue to use this courtroom. Whatever it takes, we will have opening statements at 9 on Monday morning at the Orange County Courthouse,” said Perry before leaving.Prosecutor Frank George has just entered the courtroom, followed moments later by Jeff Ashton. Cheney Mason comes in shortly after. Mason is now deep in conversation with prosecutors Ashton and George. Attorneys Mason, Finnell, Ashton, and George are now heading back to see Judge Perry. Finnell and Mason return to the courtroom. Drane Burdick enters the room. No sign of #CaseyAnthony yet. The attorneys are once again all in chambers (except for Dorothy Clay Sims). The court reporter also heads back to chambers.The attorneys all return to the courtroom. The defense team then leaves the room to go to the holding cell area to confer with their client. Casey Anthony enters the courtroom and shortly after Judge Perry takes the bench. Drama, something happened. Court is in now in recess until 8:30 tomorrow morning. An unexpected turn for the day. When asked what just happened, Ashton says "the judge just said we were in recess until 8:30 tomorrow morning," but Perry did not say why. Did Casey fire Baez. Is there a plea deal?
Per reports, Baez was not at lunch .The Defense team was separated at two different lunch tables for the first time.  I wonder if it was woman versus men as the women on the team seem to be all the interaction with Casey. Remember Baez telling her she is acting like a baby.
http://www.cayleedaily.com/2011/05/casey-atty-tells-her-shes-acting-like-a-2-yr-old/comment-page-5/  Karen Levy, Orlando Court coodinator sent our message.  "jury selection is in recess until tomorrow. No other explanation will be given." The drama continues.If it is an appeal, no formal judgement would be given overnight.
Although, Baez used the word "accident"  when interviewing the potential juror today, in regard to the death of Caylee , I don't believe the adjournment is due to a potential plea.
Wesh TV, Orlando , is reporting Baez is ill. Is he trying to stall the process or did he contract something from Attorney Finnell, who had been ill this week?
http://www.wesh.com/casey-anthony-extended-coverage/27939069/detail.html
It is reported that Attorney Finnel pulled herself away from the lunch table today and spoke on her cell phone during the entire lunch period.