"The prosecution views aggressive and zealous advocacy as a form of obstruction," Mr. Kunstler continued.

Often, particularly in small towns, a deference or coziness among judge, lawyer and prosecutor can arise, discouraging aggressive advocacy for the accused.

The Bush administration has pulled back from its aggressive advocacy of a peace initiative here since a reform-minded Palestinian government collapsed on Sept. 6.

Mathews was famous for his courtroom flair and aggressive advocacy.

Funding allocations reflect the high priority that programs place on aggressive discrimination-based advocacy and attaining diversity goals.

He complemented this with an aggressive advocacy to convert the area into a protected area and industrial zone.

To some critics, the diversity prevents the group from engaging in aggressive advocacy.

But Mr. Caruso's aggressive advocacy was often more muted in private.

But the case of Lee v. Weisman, No. 90-1014, has become that, spurred in large measure by the Bush Administration's aggressive advocacy.

But if any view emerged consistently, it was that the five appellate judges were issuing a stern warning about the outer limits of aggressive advocacy.