1.   And after signing an agreement to improve jail conditions, Arpaio proclaimed that he and his department have been vindicated of accusations of inmate abuse.

2.   At a hearing scheduled to focus on his jail conditions, Moussaoui surprised the judge and spectators by raising his hand and asking to speak.

3.   But Sand said the jail conditions, which have been upheld on appeal, had nothing to do with whether a jury would find him guilty or acquit him.

4.   But when it comes to jail conditions, Cholak is able to speak from experience.

5.   He said the restrictive jail conditions had made it impossible for him to prepare an adequate defense for trial.

6.   Immigration officials said they had had repeated discussions with Louisiana officials concerning jail conditions.

7.   Jail conditions vary widely, experts say, and are not governed by any uniform set of standards.

8.   Jail conditions have been an ongoing issue in the prosecution of El-Hage and his co-defendants, who have all pleaded not guilty.

9.   Justice Department lawyers in Washington, D.C., declined comment on any aspect of the case, including what steps were taken to determine that jail conditions had improved.

10.   Lawyers for Asahara said last week that he disliked jail conditions, particularly the frequent body searches.