The ruling extended into the civil area a 1986 decision that barred prosecutors doing so in criminal trials.

If the courts agreed, they could bar prosecutors from using the statements Mr. Walker made during the 45 days he has been held.

The state judge hearing the Central Park rape case yesterday barred prosecutors and defense lawyers from discussing any evidence with the press.

The judge therefore barred prosecutors from using any of the evidence they found during the search.

She said she would bar prosecutors from mentioning at trial that he had tried to plead guilty today.

Those rules bar prosecutors from introducing statements made by a defendant during unsuccessful plea negotiations before trial.

Such a deal would bar prosecutors from using their testimony against them.

The judge has barred prosecutors and defense lawyers from discussing the case with reporters.

A Federal judge had barred prosecutors and the defense from discussing the case with news organizations.

The agreement also bars prosecutors from publicly discussing the merits of the case.