Casey Anthony sits during a break during her murder trial at the Orange County Courthouse in Orlando.
Casey Anthony sits during a break during her murder trial at the Orange County Courthouse in Orlando, Florida, June 9, 2011. Reuters

Casey Anthony was examined by three state psychologists over the weekend to determine whether she was mentally competent to proceed with the murder trial.

Monday morning, the trial resumed after Casey Anthony was determined to be competent to remain on trial for first-degree murder.

Casey Anthony's trial halted on Saturday because of a legal matter, according to an announcement by Judge Belvin Perry. At 9:00 am, when the trial started, the judge and the lawyers went into a side room to talk in private. After 40 minutes, Perry emerged and announced that the trial will be halted until next Monday 8:30 am. Counsel reasonably believes that Ms. Anthony is not competent to aid and assist in her own defense and is incompetent to proceed, stated the two-page motion filed in court Saturday, reported Orlando Sentinel.

On Monday, which marks the 29th day of testimony, Perry began the hearing by stating that based upon the reviewed reports, the court will find that the defendant is competent to proceed.

The trial, which began on May 24, 11, has become more intricate due to the lack of evidence. A string of expert witnesses took the witness stand on June 22, but none of their testimonies could prove that Casey had killed her 2-year-old daughter Caylee. Meanwhile, Casey's mother Cindy testified that she, not her daughter, made online searches for chloroform, which shook the courtroom. Lee Anthony, Casey's brother, also gave a surprising testimony saying that his family had denied and hid Casey's pregnancy in 2005 until the baby was about to be born.

The credibility of the family members' testimonies is widely questioned.

Casey Anthony is accused of murdering Caylee Anthony, her daughter, by applying chloroform first, sealing her mouth with duct tapes, and dumping the body in the woods near her parents' home. 2-year-old Caylee's body was found in November 2008. Casey Anthony denies the charges that she murdered Caylee. She contends that Caylee drowned accidentally in the swimming pool.

Casey Anthony could face the death penalty if she is found guilty of murdering her daughter.

Casey Anthony's trial is nearing its end and it is believed the jury deliberation will begin soon.

Court Florida