Judge refuses gag order in Caylee case

A Florida judge has denied a prosecutor's request for a gag order in the case of Casey Anthony, the woman charged with killing her missing 3-year-old daughter.

Judge Stan Strickland said he did not believe a gag order would stop widespread media interest in the case, CNN reported Wednesday.

The gag order was sought by the prosecution to silence Anthony's defense attorneys from talking to reporters. Officials said the defense's public statements could influence prospective jurors.

While the court shares the state attorney's concerns about the amount and nature of the publicity, the legal standard has not been met, Strickland wrote in his ruling. The state attorney's office argued that the defense team, as well as the Anthony family's lust for the 'limelight,' may well sabotage the potential jury pool when this case is ultimately tried.

Anthony, 22, was arrested this month. She faces charges including capital murder in the disappearance of Caylee, who has been missing since June. If convicted, she could face the death penalty.