Superior Court Judge Sherry Stephens. (Source: CBS 5 News)PHOENIX (CBS5/AP) -
Jodi Arias has sought the spotlight at every turn, granting numerous national television interviews from behind bars, and even during her trial.
Now facing a retrial to determine her sentence, Arias' lawyers are asking a judge to bar live TV coverage from inside the courtroom.
The irony isn't lost on prosecutors and a lawyer representing CNN.
The news network's attorney, David Bodney, told a judge during a hearing Friday that the public shouldn't be deprived the opportunity to view the trial simply "because someone can't control her own speech."
Arias was convicted of murder May 8 in the 2008 death of boyfriend Travis Alexander in his suburban Phoenix home. The same jury failed to reach a decision on whether she should get the death penalty, setting the stage for a second penalty phase.
Superior Court Judge Sherry Stephens closed Friday's proceedings to the public and media and the following court order was issued for Friday and Oct. 18:
"The court finds there is a compelling interest that overcomes the right of public access, specifically, there is a substantial probability that publication of information provided during these court hearings (through evidence or argument) could taint the jury pool and significantly impact the parties' ability to effectively present matters at trial. The court also finds that, in light of the intense media coverage of this case, there is no less restrictive means to achieve these compelling interests."
Copyright 2013 CBS 5 (KPHO Broadcasting Corporation). All rights reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
