Gag Order Issued in Laci Peterson Case

[weatherlover427]

Gag Order Issued in Laci Peterson Case Thu Jun 12, 8:49 PM ET

MODESTO, Calif. - A judge on Thursday barred lawyers, witnesses and police officers from discussing the Laci Peterson (news - web sites) murder case.

Judge Al Girolami said he believed the gag order was the only way to stop leaks and rumors from derailing Scott Peterson (news - web sites)'s right to a fair trial.

The ruling came the same day another judge in Stanislaus County Superior Court ordered search warrants in the case unsealed, but postponed their release until July.

Girolami cited widespread publicity about the case in issuing his order. Without it, the judge said "rumors and gossip would be rehashed shortly before trial thereby making it extremely difficult to select a fair and impartial jury."

At a hearing last week, prosecutors had asked for a limited gag order. Defense lawyer Mark Geragos responded that such a ruling would harm his ability to defend his client. He was joined in his opposition by a lawyer for Peterson's former girlfriend, Amber Frey, who is expected to be a key witness, and an attorney representing newspapers and broadcasters.

Earlier Thursday, Judge Roger Beauchesne ruled that that there was no reason to keep eight search warrants and related police reports sealed because Peterson has been arrested and charged with the murders of his wife and unborn son.

The documents include affidavits by police giving their reasons for the searches and inventories of items seized.

Beauchesne had ruled in April — about two weeks before Peterson's arrest — that the documents, usually made public 11 days after search warrants are served, would remain sealed until July but could be made public immediately after an arrest was made.

Prosecutors appealed that decision, saying the ruling could jeopardize their investigation. A state appeals court ordered the documents remain sealed until July 7 to allow for further appeals. Beauchesne said Thursday that the documents could be released July 8.

Scott Peterson's lawyers also oppose the release of the documents, saying it would hurt their efforts to find the real killers. They have suggested a satanic cult may have abducted and killed the pregnant 27-year-old substitute teacher who vanished just before Christmas.

Peterson was arrested after his wife's body and the remains of their unborn son washed ashore in San Francisco Bay. He has denied any involvement in his wife's disappearance and said he was out fishing in the bay the day his wife disappeared.

[wx247]

I, for one, am glad about the gag order. I was sick of the defense spreading all of these theories.

[Lindaloo]

Not only that wx... this gag order needed to be in place because of the publicity it has received. Scott will never get a fair trial as it is.

[wx247]

Very true Linda.

[streetsoldier]

This doesn't look good...Geragos will still find ways to "leak" what he wishes, and this order prevents Ms. Frey from defending herself against whatever malice is thrown at her, and the prosecution from responding to the defense theories at length.

As to a "tainted jury"...I feel that the court would have to change its venue to Kazakhstan to get an independent jury pool.

[southerngale]

As to a "tainted jury"...I feel that the court would have to change its venue to Kazakhstan to get an independent jury pool.

Yeah, no doubt!

[Lindaloo]

Amber Frye is not as innocent as some may think.

Bill... you are correct. Where in the heck are they going to find a jury that HAS NOT heard of this case? The prosecution has also leaked important evidence but was blamed on the defense. I actually believe the prosecution has nothing but a circumstantial case with this one. No concrete proof of any wrong doing. The defense knows that which is why they are leaking information. Another reason the defense may be leaking info is because of all the media attention this case has received. They have to sway public opinion on the client so he may get a fair trial. Remember, some of you have him convicted before he has even went to trial.