UPDATE: 3:35pm EST
Circuit Judge Debra S. Nelson will reserve ruling on the gag order today and will issue hopefully Monday. Nelson said that there is a lot to consider.
Earlier in the hearing, prosecutor Bernie de la Rionda told the judge that he doesn’t oppose freedom of speech or the freedom of the press.
“We firmly believe in it, too, your honor,” he said. But “neither party should be commenting about the evidence” in the media and tainting the jury pool, he said.
“That’s my concern: Are we going to be able to pick a jury in Seminole County or for that matter the state of Florida?” de la Rionda said.
Judge Nelson will make her decision on Monday and there will be a Stand your ground hearing set for April, 45 days before the start of the June trial.
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George Zimmerman will make yet another court appearance today, as prosecutors insist on a gag order to silence defense attorney Mark O’Mara in the case of Florida v. George Zimmerman.
STORY: He’s Back! George Zimmerman Appears At Court Hearing Today
This afternoon, both sides return to the courtroom of Circuit Judge Debra S. Nelson to argue about the proposed gag order.
As reported by the Orlando Sentinel:
So are attorneys for the Orlando Sentinel and more than a dozen other news organizations, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and CNN. They oppose the gag order.
A previous judge, Kenneth Lester Jr., said no when Assistant State Attorney Bernie de la Rionda first asked for one in April.
The hearing will begin at 1:30pm this afternoon.
SOURCE: OS
