But even if he's not, a good civilian lawyer can generally get anybody off on appeal.

The military may create a pool of qualified civilian lawyers.

At least two marines have hired civilian lawyers, said a government official with knowledge of the developing case.

The suspects will be provided military defense lawyers but can also ask for civilian lawyers.

The inspector general's report has not been made public but was sent to the Pentagon's top civilian lawyer, he said.

We promised that those tried in these tribunals would have civilian lawyers if they wanted.

"On second thought, you're too honest to be a civilian lawyer."

So far, officials said, they have had informal applications to act as defense counsel from 10 civilian lawyers.

Also, the captains in today's hearing have high-powered civilian lawyers.

That at least put them on a more equal footing with the civilian lawyers.