PHOENIX - A judge overseeing the sentencing phase retrial in the Jodi Arias murder case has ruled to keep video cameras out of the courtroom this time around.
Judge Sherry Stephens' ruling came down Friday morning and reads, “It is ordered granting defendant’s motion to preclude or limit live media coverage of sentencing phase retrial.”
The ruling goes on to state that still photographic coverage will be permitted unless a witness objects before testifying.
No other electronic devices will be allowed in the courtroom.
According to court documents, trial proceedings will be available to the media and to the public after a verdict has been reached.
In the Friday ruling, Stephens also addressed Arias' request to sequester the retrial jury.
Arias alleges she cannot receive a fair sentencing phase retrial because of the high media interest in her case.
However, Stephens has ruled that sequestration is unnecessary, as the jury will be closely monitored and reminded that they are forbidden from watching media coverage of the case.
Stephens said, "...the last jury complied with the court's admonition for approximately five months. The court has no reason to believe the jury selected for the sentencing phase retrial will not also follow the court's orders."
Arias was convicted of first-degree murder May 8 in the stabbing and shooting death of Travis Alexander in his Mesa home. About two weeks later, the same jury failed to reach a unanimous decision on whether to sentence Arias to life in prison or death.
The retrial of the sentencing phase is expected to last at least two months.
