WASHINGTON (AP) - A federal judge sounds skeptical of new government restrictions on lawyers' access to detainees at Guantanamo Bay.
The restrictions apply to some Guantanamo detainees whose bids to challenge their confinement have been denied or dismissed.
In those cases, lawyers must sign a "memorandum of understanding" to continue to be able to meet their clients. This gives the Guantanamo Bay commander final say on allowing the meetings or communications.
U.S. District Chief Judge Royce Lamberth said at a hearing Friday that "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." He says the current system governing lawyers' meetings with detainees isn't broken.
A Justice Department lawyer says the new system is very similar, but lawyers for detainees disagree. They say it unfairly restricts detainees' right to counsel.
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