Detailed order

Judge issues rules for media covering Bryant case

From SI.com • Johnson: Already the new O.J. • Layden: Bryant will still move goods • Silver: Where were the bodyguards? • Deford: Fans forgive if you produce  From the wires • Italian company cuts ties with Bryant • Bryants faced hurdles before charges • Bryant attends Teen Choice Awards • Bryant's court hearing to be brief • Bryant called 911 after giving sample • Lawyers face uphill evidence battle • Colo. town girding for Kobe hearing • Bryant loses bid to skip court date • Reports: Some sex was consensual • Prosecutors get more money • Judge issues rules for media

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EAGLE, Colo. (AP) -- Citing "intense public and media interest" in the Kobe Bryant sexual assault case, a judge issued a detailed order Tuesday for reporters covering next week's hearing.

Reporters will be barred from using cell phones and tape recorders inside the courthouse; photographing witnesses, potential jurors and Bryant's accuser and her family; and parking on court grounds. Those spaces will be reserved for people involved in the trial, according to District Judge Terry Ruckriegle's order.

Eagle County District Attorney Mark Hurlbert has filed a felony charge of sexual assault against Bryant, a Los Angeles Lakers star accused of assaulting a 19-year-old Eagle woman June 30.

Bryant has said the sex was consensual. His initial court appearance is scheduled Aug. 6.

Hundreds of daily media calls have prompted officials to lock the district attorney's office to the public.

The Colorado Judicial Branch is launching a page this week devoted to the high-profile case on its Web site (www.courts.state.co.us). The page will have information on hearing schedules, motions rulings, biographies of judges and other details.

"I've had 150 calls a day. It's overwhelming," said Krista Flannigan, spokeswoman for the prosecutor. "It seemed like it was going to save a lot of us time. Especially as court orders come out -- they just don't have the staffing to make sure the media has everything."

The door to Hurlbert's office, which previously had been open to the public, is now locked and posted with a sign saying the office is closed. A phone number is posted for visitors to leave messages.

The office is beginning to receive aid from neighboring prosecution teams.

Ingrid Bakke, head of Boulder's sex assault and domestic violence unit, is on loan to the 5th Judicial District for up to a year to help in the high-profile case.

"She's a solid prosecutor not vulnerable to media influence," Boulder District Attorney Mary Keenan said Monday. "I have no doubt she can handle the pressure."

Eagle County officials have talked with their counterparts in Denver and are receiving aid from Pitkin County.