The group of Hasidim also sued under state law, but in his ruling Judge Block said that state law would likely grant the officials similar immunity.

This is Judge Block calling from the Federal Court.

This is Judge Block calling from the United States Federal Courthouse.

The government can do the same if Judge Block imposes lighter sentences.

On Wednesday afternoon, Mr. Genser obtained a temporary stay of Judge Block's order until the appeals court considers the issue next week.

The Lake County Law Library was renamed in honor of Judge Block on February 10, 1998.

The prosecutors appealed a separate order Judge Block issued in September that Mr. Gotti be released from solitary confinement.

"It doesn't appear Judge Block gave them that time," she said.

Mr. Gotti has remained in solitary confinement and a federal appeals court stayed Judge Block's decision on Wednesday afternoon.

But a federal prosecutor strenuously objected to a sentence reduction in a scathing letter to Judge Block.