Casey's defense was seeking to silence bounty hunter Leonard Padilla. His crew provided security inside the Anthony home when Casey was out on bail.

Casey's lawyers argued that what Padilla saw and heard in the home was privileged information, But Judge Stan Strickland disagreed in his ruling, saying they're free to speak in TV and in court.

Also Thursday, Tim Miller of Texas Equusearch, who led the effort to look for Caylee last summer agreed to come back to Orlando to be deposed by Casey's defense team. Miller will allow them private access to search his records so long as none of the information is made public until a judge can determine if its relevant to the case.

Dispute with Equusearch

There's been an ongoing disagreement between Casey's defense and lawyers for Equusearch over which search records are relevant to the murder case.

The defense demanded the search group hand over the records of thousands of searchers.

Equusearch argued only 32 volunteers got within 200 yards of where Caylee was found, something Casey defense disputes.

The compromise, ruled the judge, is to allow Casey's defense access to search records at the downtown Orlando law office of Mark NeJame (lawyer for Equusearch).

If they find additional searchers that were in the immediate proximity of where Caylee's remains were found they can present the evidence to the court. The judge will then determine "materiality, relevance and possible disclosure."

Also...

Equusearch must hand over the records of the 32 previously mentions volunteer immediately.

Tim Miller has agreed to give a sworn deposition to Casey's "at a mutually convenient time between the parties."