1.   Fred Goldman has become public affairs director for a Washington-based organization called Safe Streets, which seeks tougher punishment for convicted criminals.

2.   And if suspects are arrested, prosecutors always have the discretion in a first-degree murder case to seek a punishment of life without parole rather than the death penalty.

3.   At the White House Thursday, the spokesman, Ari Fleischer, also hinted at some flexibility in how the administration will seek punishment.

4.   But he would not discuss reports that the commission had decided not to seek harsh punishment.

5.   Critics, often death penalty opponents, say he is too willing to seek captial punishment.

6.   He also did not rule on a company motion seeking punishment of the plaintiffs for allegedly failing to try to informally resolve this issue before filing a formal motion.

7.   If inspectors return to Iraq, President Saddam Hussein is again likely to refuse to cooperate, leaving the United States almost alone in seeking punishment including military strikes.

8.   Officials said the firearms charge carries a possible maximum sentence of the death penalty, although prosecutors have not yet decided if they will seek that punishment.

9.   The Justice Department decision followed weeks of deliberations and a request from France not to seek capitol punishment in the case.

10.   Anti-doping prosecutors had also appealed, seeking stiffer punishments, but the appeals tribunal let the suspensions stand.