Final Arguments Delayed In Anna Nicole Drug Trial

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The judge in the Anna Nicole Smith drug conspiracy case has delayed final arguments until Monday while he considers defense motions to dismiss charges against the model's two doctors and boyfriend.

Superior Court Judge Robert Perry said he planned to begin issuing rulings later Tuesday. He spent the morning finalizing jury instructions and told prosecutors they should try to pare down the overt acts they have alleged against the defendants. His said it is essential to simplify the case to prevent jurors from becoming confused.

Dr. Sandeep Kapoor, Dr. Khristine Eroshevich and Smith's lawyer-boyfriend Howard K. Stern have pleaded not guilty to providing her with excessive prescription drugs while knowing she was an addict. A key issue in the case is whether she was addicted or seeking pain relief.

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