2011.02.25 - 02.27 Today's Current News **NO DISCUSSION HERE PLEASE**

In one motion the defense team asked the judge to approve an hourly rate to pay for video conferencing with subpoenaed experts and witnesses in the murder case.

In a second motion the defense asked Judge Perry to approve more money to pay for the use of a mental health expert.

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As of late last month, Anthony's defense team had billed the state nearly $65,000 to help prepare her case, and the Justice Administrative Commission had paid out $41,654.69, according to JAC records.

Those payments came after Casey Anthony was declared indigent last year and after her private funding totaling about $275,000 was exhausted.

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Court officials said that while there will be public seating available at the trial, there will be a ticketing process. Details on the ticketing process were not released.

Officials also said that if Anthony is found guilty, Perry does not intend to take a long break before a penalty phase, if there is a break at all.

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The court is proposing a confidentiality agreement for Orlando media covering the Casey Anthony trial jury selection in May.

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Judge Belvin Perry said video conferencing would be a cheaper alternative to flying in experts to testify and approved an hourly rate averaging of $100 to $200 per hour.

Perry also granted an additional $4,500 for a mental-health expert to conduct additional interviews with family members.

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Also at noon today, WKMG previewed how the Orange County Courthouse would handle the crush of media for the trial. Reporter Mike DeForest noted that there are 100 seats in the courtroom and that each local media outlet will be assigned one. Other seats will be available to the public, DeForest added, but it isn’t clear how tickets for those seats will be issued.

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“I don’t want her thinking about her contract when she’s covering the Casey Anthony trial,” Jordan said.

Belich’s reaction? “I am very happy. I love my job and the level of professionalism in our newsroom!” she said in an e-mail.

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At a hearing next Wednesday, Perry wants Baez to explain why he shouldn’t be held in contempt of court. Perry issued the order late this afternoon.

WFTV-Channel 9 anchor Martie Salt explained that Baez “will have to explain why he missed another court-ordered deadline concerning scientific testing” in the Anthony case.

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Earlier this month, Judge Perry set a deadline of Feb. 17 for lawyers to file motions on issues related to scientific evidence in the case.

"However, the defense has not yet complied with this direction," Perry wrote in his order today. "Indeed, despite the clarity of language utilized in the order, the defense claims to be confused as to its meaning."

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