Anna Nicole Smith judge dismisses charges

A judge has ruled to dismiss some of the charges against Howard K. Stern and two doctors who are standing trial accused of illegally providing Anna Nicole Smith with prescription drugs.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Robert Perry threw out two charges against Stern for obtaining drugs for Smith by fraud and deceit - the charges still stand against Smith's doctor Sandeep Kapoor - and part of another claim against Stern and Kapoor due to insufficient proof.

Judge Perry said: "I don't think there's evidence that a layperson knows it's illegal to write a prescription in another name for a celebrity."

The remaining charges will all go to the jury. Closing arguments will begin on Monday.