The trial was one of the country's most contentious legal proceedings and sometimes had a "circus-like atmosphere".[1] Four hundred police officers were assigned to the site on the opening day of the trial.[2] The defense deliberately antagonized the judge by making a large number of objections and motions,[3] which led to numerous bitter engagements between the attorneys and Judge Medina.[57] Despite the aggressive defense tactics and a voluminous letter-writing campaign directed at Medina, he stated "I will not be intimidated".[58] Out of the chaos, an atmosphere of "mutual hostility" arose between the judge and attorneys.[6] Judge Medina attempted to maintain order by removing disorderly defendants.