"As I previously indicated, it is not fair to ask local prosecutors to prosecute police who they work hand in glove with."

Instead, he said the Senate could ask local prosecutors to pursue Mr. Verniero for lying under oath.

Instead, the judge asked prosecutors and union lawyers to submit written proposals of further action he should take.

Later on Thursday, a judge asked prosecutors and defence lawyers to decide if they wanted another examination.

"I often ask prosecutors: have you notified the victims that they can speak at sentencing?"

The judge asked prosecutors and defense lawyers to suggest language for a restraining order to her by noon Monday.

One of the lawyers, Brian Sun, said he had asked prosecutors for the deal, "and they granted it."

"How," Judge Cedarbaum asked prosecutors, "can you prove that beyond a reasonable doubt?"

Instead, he granted the defense five days to submit a brief addressing the issue of whether there should be a contempt hearing and asked prosecutors to respond.

Ms. Pirro said this week that she had asked federal prosecutors to investigate the claim.