Casey's Parents File Motion To Be In Courtroom

WFTV obtained an unusual court motion filed on behalf of Casey Anthony's parents.

READ: Motion Filed By Casey's Parents BILL SHEAFFER: Analysis Of Casey's Parents' Motion

George and Cindy Anthony are both being called as witnesses in the trial, so they're not allowed to sit in the courtroom during the trial, but the motion asks the court to break that rule.

George and Cindy Anthony have changed their testimony in their daughter Casey's murder case, from proceeding to proceeding. Now they want to be in the courtroom for her entire trial.

Their testimony could be critical to both sides, but they want to listen to the prosecution's opening statement and its theory; they want to listen to the defense team's opening statement and its strategy; and the Anthonys want to listen to all the other witnesses' testimony, even before they're called to the stand.

"Both George and Cindy have said they fully support her, they don't believe in her guilt, and they're going to do whatever they believe is the right thing to do to protect their daughter," WFTV legal expert Bill Sheaffer said (watch full interview).

Sheaffer says even the appearance of taint could backfire on Casey.

"You really don't want them present in the courtroom so that the prosecutor can raise the issue of their testimony possibly being tainted by what they've heard, thus discrediting what good they may have to say," he explained.

Sheaffer says if either side would have to expose to the jury how their stories might have changed as a result of hearing what others said before their testimony, it would complicate matters, which is why he does not expect Chief Judge Belvin Perry to make an exception in this exceptional case for the Anthonys.

"I doubt he's going to grant it," Sheaffer said.

Prosecutors have not yet responded to the Anthony's request. Sheaffer has never seen a judge make this kind of exception to the rule of sequestration of witnesses.

Previous Stories: April 26, 2011: Judge Denies Motions To Block Evidence In Casey Case April 25, 2011: Defense Motion Asks To Prohibit "31 Days" Evidence April 25, 2011: Judge Expected To Rule On More Evidence In Casey Case April 21, 2011: Judge Rules Stain Evidence Allowed In Casey Trial April 21, 2011: $350K Set Aside For Casey Anthony Case April 21, 2011: Depositions Released Of Casey's Ex, Best Friend April 21, 2011: Judge Expected To Rule On Key Evidence In Casey Case April 21, 2011: Defense Wants Someone Else To Tell Casey's Story To Jury