Mr. Hudock defended his right to question jurors on the subject today.

I heard that question asked when we were questioning prospective jurors: whether or not a person who is in a celebrity position becomes a role model.

She said she had chatted with another candidate, number 82, while the judge was questioning prospective jurors on May 20, 2004.

Judges would also question potential jurors about their opinions on the timeliness of sexual-assault complaints.

Last Friday, the judge again questioned jurors individually, this time in open court.

Connecticut takes the longest because lawyers are required to question potential jurors individually, rather than in groups.

Judge Davies has allowed lawyers for both sides to question prospective jurors at length.

Not every state allows lawyers to question jurors directly in civil cases.

Jury selection was slower than expected because lawyers for both sides were allowed to question prospective jurors at length.

The trial judge questioned prospective jurors on whether they had heard about the incident.