Anna Nicole Smith hearing nears end

LOS ANGELES (AP) - A California judge is set to decide whether to admit a key piece of video evidence into a preliminary hearing for Anna Nicole Smith's lawyer-boyfriend.

At issue is a 45-minute tape that's supposed to show Smith under the influence of drugs provided by Howard K. Stern.

Stern shot the footage and his attorney doesn't want it shown. The attorney says the tape doesn't show Smith under the influence of drugs, but instead shows her acting. The hearing is to determine whether Stern and two of Smith's doctors will stand trial on charges of illegally giving Smith drugs. All three have pleaded not guilty. They are not charged in Smith's death.

The tape may be one of the last pieces of evidence admitted during the hearing, now in its third week.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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