I didn't get to watch the hearing this morning live, but have now watched the three part video of the hearing. Nor have I read every post in this thread yet. But I want to post my observations while they're fresh in my mind.
This was a powerful hearing, based on fundamental Constitutional rights - the right to a fair trial, the freedom of speech, and the freedom of the press.
My observation is the HHMP has really done his homework. He's well aware of the media coverage online about this case, with media websites having a section devoted to the documents in this case, and no doubt he's also very much aware of the forums devoted to this case. I'm sure he knows of forums such as WS. He said he's never seen such pretrial publicity as this case has generated. He also mentioned that there's over 700 media requests for credentials.
I think his decision to deny the motion before him was based on factual evidence. He mentioned several times that after he was observed going into the courthouse in Palm Beach County, a local media did a typical man-in-the-street interview asking people about this case. This is just the thing he's hoping to avoid by not announcing the name of the county for jury selection a week ahead of time. He's giving the media time to get their reporters and equipment in place, but not enough time to do any sort of advance reporting before jury selection begins. I think this is more than fair.
I noted that Casey's crying was after he mentioned her name and her right to a fair trial. Her tears were for herself.
When the camera went to Cindy, I immediately noticed her trembling. For about a minute the trembling lasted and then stopped. I think it comes and goes, and is a nervous tremble - fear - as the beginning of the trial approaches. We're almost down to the wire now and she seems very fearful.
As for the motion to exempt George and Cindy from sequestering, with the judge requesting to meet with the Anthonys and their attorneys before Thursday, I can't help but think that he intends on citing her behavior in the courtroom throughout the hearings, and telling her that this behavior will not be tolerated.
My best guess is that he will abide by the rule of law and not allow the Anthonys in the courtroom prior to their testimony. After their testimony they will be allowed in the courtroom, but if there's any body language that's noticeable to the jury, they will be ordered to leave. This is only a guess, but I base this guess on his intention to conduct a fair trial.
