21.   For the same reasons, government officials would probably favor a direct appeal to the Supreme Court.

22.   Gore made a direct appeal to Bush, and Bush has to give him a direct answer.

23.   Habeas lawsuits attack the constitutionality of sentences and convictions after direct appeals are exhausted.

24.   He is making more direct appeals to religious groups, particularly Evangelical Christian ministers who are increasingly popular among poor women.

25.   If the court proceeded with a direct appeal, they say, it would be a favorable sign for the government.

26.   In another direct appeal for independents earlier last week, Bradley appeared here with former Gov. Lowell P. Weicker Jr. of Connecticut, a Republican turned independent.

27.   In a direct appeal to conservative Republicans, Engler, who also opposes abortion rights, urged voters not to support a third-party candidate.

28.   In Florida inmates win a high percentage of their direct appeals, making the second stage unnecessary.

29.   In many states, these motions are not filed until the direct appeal is concluded.

30.   In its filing last week, the Justice Department made a spirited argument for direct appeal.