1.   Although judges should approve it before it is made, they normally make no enquiries and allow the parties to say whatever they like.

2.   An appeals judge asked if any Missouri law required judges to approve private adoptions in which the mother chooses who will adopt.

3.   An administrative law judge recently approved the proposed rate hike, which now goes to the full PUC for consideration.

4.   And last week a federal judge approved the plan.

5.   Bank of Boston Corp. won the right to sell insurance in Massachusetts, after a federal judge approved an order requiring the state to allow the sales.

6.   A British high court judge had approved a request by the tobacco companies to take their appeal to the European Union court.

7.   A bankruptcy court judge today could approve one pending airline combination amid growing concerns about consolidation in the industry.

8.   A federal bankruptcy judge this week approved the sale, but it will probably be appealed to district court and also must get Justice Department approval.

9.   A federal judge approved the wiretaps.

10.   A federal judge must approve the deal.