Speculation has increased because many of the consultants who previously talked about Mr. Lewis's case have declined to comment since his death.

He said the number of substantiated cases declined in all but one of the 12 states in that same period.

In 2001, cases per judgeship declined as filings that year remained stable and ten new judgeships were created.

Here in Milwaukee, as across Wisconsin, reported cases of domestic violence have declined since 1995.

He added that cases of death from overwork, known as karoshi, have not declined from an estimated 10,000 a year.

In 1988 and again this year, the number of drug cases increased more than 15 percent, while other criminal cases declined.

But cases among cocaine users 12 to 17 years old declined, the data showed.

The Court had in some past defamation cases declined to apply the actual malice standard, even though doing so would strengthen free-speech protections, she noted.

In the South, Dr. Valdiserri said, cases declined 8 percent.

French officials had predicted that because of their precautions cases of the disease would be declining by now.