Even some judges said the replacing of experienced state lawyers had caused delays.

"What he has is an attitude problem," the judge said, according to the state lawyers.

He taught school and studied law, becoming a prominent state lawyer.

When they finally could fight in court, a state lawyer came in to take over the prosecution.

Beginning this fall, he expects them to serve as co-counsel with private firms, and within a year the state lawyers are to act alone.

Three other state lawyers and an investigator have also been assigned to help in the prosecution.

Four years ago there was no-one to defend the accused except state lawyers.

But in most states defendants are still represented by state lawyers.

Ms. Norton vigorously pursued the owners of the mine, the state lawyers involved in the case said.

The division's officials asked state lawyers to give an opinion.