Both the defense and prosecution, which have access to evidence in the case, insisted in sworn declarations that they had not been responsible.

The "defense," the families added, "could insist that many lines of inquiry would undermine the Libyan regime and must be excluded from the trial."

But today, as the passenger went on trial here, both the prosecution and defense insisted otherwise.

But the defense has suggested that it will take a much broader view and has insisted on reviewing all 300,000 pages of classified documents.

The defense had insisted that his accuser was a willing participant in a late-night sexual encounter.

But the defense insists it was a show of consideration after an evening of consensual, albeit unusual, activity.

Must it throw out the entire case, as the defense insists?

Two defense lawyers and a judge were killed last year, and the defense still insists it is not being given adequate protection.

But the defense insisted that the recordings did not link him to any of the crimes he was charged with committing.

The defense insisted that Mr. Drake had been mistaken for someone else.