It includes the option of trying children as adults, as long as prosecutors meet significant burdens.

In February, prosecutors met with Andersen's lawyers and executives.

Mr. Adamson then refused to testify at a second trial unless prosecutors met certain demands, including an education fund for his children.

He also said the prosecutor had met the standards that courts generally apply before ordering a reporter to disclose confidential sources.

The prosecutor finally met with the women and told them that there would be no exchange.

Later, the prosecutor called S and met near the office and took her to his car.

Since that plea on Oct. 5, however, prosecutors have not met with Ms. Brooks to gather more information, people involved in the case said.

Then a half-dozen prosecutors will meet to determine whether to bring charges.

The prosecutor could meet that burden by presenting the case to the grand jury and asking for an indictment.

Absent a Congressional directive, he said, it is reasonable for magistrates to require prosecutors to meet the probable-cause standard.