Phil Spector's lawyers requested an indefinite stay on the producer's retrial for murder in order for them to pursue their double jeopardy case.
The double jeopardy angle to the retrial has been discussed for a while now, and whether or not you believe it is relevant depends on your interpretation of the first trial against the legendary producer, which, of course, ended in a mistrial when the jury couldn't reach a decision one way or the other. Of issue is whether the fact the lesser crimes of voluntary or involuntary manslaughter were not considered at that trial amounted to Spector being acquitted of those crimes. The defence reckon so, and therefore argue said crimes cannot be considered this time round because to do so would be double jeapordy.
Superior Court Judge Larry Paul Fidler doesn't seem convinced, and said last month: "I don't believe this is a double jeopardy matter". I think it is that ruling that the defence want to have more time to appeal before the rest of the second trial proceeds.
The latest pretrial hearing on the case is due to take place today, but the prosecution have not, as yet, responded to the defence team's request for a stay. Spector, of course, is accused of killing actress Lana Clarkson at his Beverly Hills home in 2003. He maintains she shot herself.