After argument from both sides, Lu allowed several motions on the spot and decided that the remainder merited further consideration.

Amabile also introduced a proposed questionnaire for potential jurors which he had drafted.

Prosecutors argued that the 15-page document—which includes inquiries about jurors’ favorite books and movies, frequency of religious observance, and attitudes towards their children’s activities—is unnecessarily intrusive.

“The number of questions on this and the detail of issues some of these questions go into is far beyond what we have a right to go into,” Bennett said.

Copney, who was present for the hearing, was attentive to the proceedings, turning the pages of the memoranda despite the handcuffs restricting his movements.

—Hana N. Rouse contributed to the reporting of this article.

—Staff writer Xi Yu can be reached at xyu@college.harvard.edu.

—Staff writer Julie M. Zauzmer can be reached at jzauzmer@college.harvard.edu.