Richard W. Miller and his attorneys, Stanley I. Greenberg and Joel Levine, seek a writ of mandamus compelling the district court to dissolve a restraining order that prohibits the attorneys involved in Miller’s trial from communicating with the media regarding the merits of the case. To determine the validity of the order, we must address the clash between the basic and fundamental right to a fair criminal jury trial and the first amendment right of attorneys to engage in free speech.

I

BACKGROUND

On October 2, 1984, Richard W. Miller, a former special agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, was arrested and charged with espionage. Miller allegedly passed classified documents to Svetlana Ogorodnikova and Nikolay Ogorodnikov, who were also charged with espionage. An indictment was returned naming all three defendants on October 12. A superseding indictment was returned in November. On January 22, 1985, the district court severed the trial of Miller from the trial of the Ogorodnikovs. The trial of the *592 Ogorodnikovs is currently proceeding, while Miller is still awaiting trial.

The criminal proceedings against Miller have received extensive local and national media coverage. Early in the proceedings, the district court became aware that both government officials and defense attorneys had engaged in “on the record” interviews with media representatives. In early November 1984, the district court admonished counsel not to engage in pretrial publicity. On November 28, the government sought an order that would specifically proscribe the making of any extrajudicial statement to the press concerning matters related to the prospective trial of the defendants. The motion was denied on December 14, but the district court again admonished counsel to maintain an atmosphere in which a fair trial could be conducted. The court sought the cooperation of counsel. Defense counsel advised the court that they might “at some future time deem it necessary in the interest of our client to make a statement outside the courtroom.”

Shortly before the beginning of the Ogo-rodnikovs’ trial, the Los Angeles Times published an article by staff writer William Overend that quoted numerous statements attributed to defense attorneys. Lawyers Contend, FBI Exaggerated Evidence in Spy Case, L.A. Times, Mar. 3, 1985, pt. 1, át 3. The article summarized the attorneys’ statements as follows:

Initially, the attorneys focused on the prosecution’s decision to drop four counts of aiding and abetting espionage against the Ogorodnikovs:

The attorneys then set forth the defense theory in great detail. Finally, they attacked the basis of the prosecution’s case:

In response to the Los Angeles Times article, the government filed an ex parte application to renew its motion for a restraining order regarding extrajudicial statements. A hearing was held on March 5, 1985. At the hearing, Levine acknowledged that he had spoken to Over, although the article did not quote him. After reviewing the statements of counsel in that article, the district court ordered:

On June 11, 1985, the district court removed the parties and witnesses from the scope of the order. The revised order applies only to the attorneys for the government and the defendants.

The Ogorodnikovs, their attorneys, and the various media organizations that may be affected by the order are not parties to this proceeding. Miller has remained in custody since his arrest in October 1984. While in custody, he has been denied any contact with media representatives. During the Ogorodnikovs’ trial, however, Miller testified in open court pursuant to a grant of limited immunity. 1 Levine and Green-berg will represent Miller in his jury trial before the district court.

II

JURISDICTION

We have jurisdiction to issue a writ of mandamus pursuant to the All Writs Act, 28 U.S.C. § 1651 (a). Nevertheless, mandamus is an extraordinary remedy that is employed only in extreme situations. Clorox Corp. v. United States District Court, 756 F.2d 699, 700 (9th Cir.1985). In Bauman v. United States District Court, we set forth five guidelines for determining the appropriateness of issuing a writ of mandamus:

557 F.2d 650, 654-55 (9th Cir.1977) (citations omitted). The first two Bauman guidelines support an exercise of our mandamus jurisdiction. See CBS, Inc. v. United States District Court, 729 F.2d 1174 , 1177-78 & n. 2 (9th Cir.1984); Rendleman, Free Press-Fair Trial: Review of Silence Orders, 52 N.C.L.Rev. 127 (1973). The fourth Bauman guideline does not apply in this case. The fifth Bauman guideline is also inapplicable in light of the numerous prior decisions in this circuit and in other jurisdictions. Accordingly, the third Bau-man guideline is critical. A simple showing of error will not satisfy this guideline. See Town of North Bonneville v. United States District Court, 732 F.2d 747, 750 (9th Cir.1984); United States v. Brooklier, 685 F.2d 1162, 1173 (9th Cir.1982). We have held that an order is “clearly erroneous as a matter of law” if we are left with the definite and firm conviction that a mistake has been committed. United States v. Harper, 729 F.2d 1216, 1222 (9th Cir.1984). With that standard in mind, we turn to the merits of the petitioners’ claims.

Ill

FREEDOM OF THE PRESS

The petitioners seek to characterize the district court’s order as an unlawful prior restraint on the press. We have invalidated prior restraints on the reporting of events relating to a criminal proceeding. E.g., CBS, 729 F.2d at 1178-79 ; . see Nebraska Press Association v. Stuart, 427 U.S. 539 , 96 S.Ct. 2791 , 49 L.Ed.2d 683 (1976); ABA Standards for Criminal Justice Standard 8-3.1 (1982). We have also invalidated restraints on the access of the media to criminal proceedings. Associated Press v. United States District Court, 705 F. 2d 1143 ,1145-47 (9th Cir.1983); see Richmond Newspapers, Inc. v. Virginia, 448 U.S. 555 , 100 S.Ct. 2814 , 65 L.Ed.2d 973 (1980). The restraint that the district court issued is different from the restraints that we considered in CBS and Associated Press . The district court’s order neither denies the media access to any criminal proceeding nor bars the media from disseminating any information that it obtains. On the contrary, the media is free to attend all of the formal proceedings before the district court and to report anything that happens. See Sack, Principle and Nebraska Press Association v. Stuart, 29 Stan.L. Rev. 411, 427-28 (1977) (noting the “fundamental difference” between a restraining order against the press and a restraining order against trial participants); cf. In re Halkin, 598 F.2d 176 , 195 & n. 44 (D.C.Cir. 1979) (noting that an order directed only against lawyers and litigants is less drastic than restraining the press).

The district court’s order raises a freedom of the press issue that is analytically distinct from the issues that were raised in Associated Press and CBS. By effectively denying the media access to the litigants, the district court’s order raises an issue under the first amendment by impairing the media’s ability to gather news. See Branzburg v. Hayes, 408 U.S. 665, 681 , 92 S.Ct. 2646, 2656 , 33 L.Ed.2d 626 (1972); M. Nimmer, Nimmer on Freedom of Speech § 4.09[B] (1984). But see KPNX Broadcasting Co. v. Superior Court, 139 Ariz. 246 , 678 P.2d 431, 439-42 (1984) (holding that limitations on the media’s ability to interview trial participants do not violate the first amendment). The petitioners argue that the district court’s order constitutes an unconstitutional restraint on the media’s ability to gather news.

We note, however, that none of the media organizations that could be affected by the district court’s order have joined this action. In general, a party lacks standing to assert the rights of third parties. See Duke Power Co. v. Carolina Environmental Study Group, Inc., 438 U.S. 59, 80 , 98 S.Ct. 2620, 2634 , 57 L.Ed.2d 595 (1978); Warth v. Seldin, 422 U.S. 490, 499 , 95 S.Ct. 2197, 2205 , 45 L.Ed.2d 343 (1975); 13 C. Wright, A. Miller & E. Cooper, Federal Practice and Procedure § 3531.9 (1984). The rule against third party standing is subject to several well-established exceptions. See id. Under the present procedural posture of this case, none of those exceptions apply. Accordingly, we conclude that the petitioners lack standing to assert the constitutional rights of nonparty media organizations.

*595 IV

FREEDOM OF SPEECH

A. The Appropriate Legal Standard

The petitioners contend that the district court’s order is a prior restraint on their first amendment right to free speech. We agree that the district court’s order is properly characterized as a prior restraint. See M. Nimmer, supra, § 4.03. Prior restraints are subject to strict scrutiny because of the peculiar dangers presented by such restraints. See id. § 4.04; L. Tribe, American Constitutional Law § 12-32 (1978). Accordingly, the district court’s order may be upheld only if the government establishes that: (1) the activity restrained poses either a clear and present danger or a serious and imminent threat to a protected competing interest, United States v. Sherman, 581 F.2d 1358, 1361 (9th Cir. 1978); see Wood v. Georgia, 370 U.S. 375, 383-85 , 82 S.Ct. 1364, 1369-70 , 8 L.Ed.2d 569 (1962); (2) the order is narrowly drawn, Carroll v. President and Commissioners of Princess Anne, 393 U.S. 175, 183-84 , 89 S.Ct. 347, 352-53 , 21 L.Ed.2d 325 (1968); Halkin, 598 F.2d at 193-94 ; Sherman, 581 F.2d at 1361 ; and (3) less restrictive alternatives are not available, Nebraska Press Association, 427 U.S. at 563 , 96 S.Ct. at 2804 ; CBS, 729 F.2d at 1182-83 .

We note that the district court’s order applies only to trial participants. The Supreme Court has suggested that it is appropriate to impose greater restrictions on the free speech rights of trial participants than on the rights of nonparticipants. Sheppard v. Maxwell, 384 U.S. 333, 360-63 , 86 S.Ct. 1507, 1521-23 , 16 L.Ed.2d 600 (1966); see Nebraska Press Association, 427 U.S. at 564 , 96 S.Ct. at 2805 . The case for restraints on trial participants is especially strong with respect to attorneys. Justice Brennan analyzed the role of attorneys in this context as follows:

Nebraska Press Association, 427 U.S. at 601 n. 27, 96 S.Ct. at 2823 n. 27 (Brennan, J., concurring) (citation omitted). 2 We recognize that attorneys and other trial participants do not lose their constitutional rights at the courthouse door. See L. Tribe, supra, § 12-11, at 627 n. 26; Freedman & Starwood, Prior Restraints on Freedom of Expression by Defendants and Defense Attorneys: Ratio Decidendi v. Obiter Dictum, 29 Stan.L.Rev. 607, 614-18 (1977). Nevertheless, we must analyze the district court’s order in light of the relationship *596 between'the petitioners and the court system.

We also note that several other courts have considered similar restraining orders. The overwhelming majority of those courts have upheld the restraining orders. E.g., In re Russell, 726 F.2d 1007 (4th Cir.), cert. denied, — U.S. -, 105 S.Ct. 134 , 83 L.Ed.2d 74 (1984); In re San Juan Star Co., 662 F.2d 108, 113-18 (1st Cir.1981); United States v. Tijerina, 412 F.2d 661 (10th Cir.), cert. denied, 396 U.S. 990 , 90 S.Ct. 478 , 24 L.Ed.2d 452 (1969); Central South Carolina Chapter, Society of Professional Journalists v. Martin, 431 F.Supp. 1182 (D.S.C.), aff'd in part, 556 F.2d 706 (4th Cir.1977), cert. denied, 434 U.S. 1022 , 98 S.Ct. 749 , 54 L.Ed.2d 771 (1978); KPNX Broadcasting Co., 678 P.2d at 439-42 ; State ex rel. Angel v. Woodahl, 171 Mont. 13 , 555 P.2d 501, 504 (1976); Houston Chronicle Publishing Co. v. Har-

dy, 678 S.W.2d 495 (Tex.App.1984), cert. denied, —— U.S. -, 105 S.Ct. 1754 , 84 L.Ed.2d 817 (1985); see also United States v. Schiavo, 504 F.2d 1, 6 (3d Cir.) (en banc) (dictum in plurality opinion), cert. denied, 419 U.S. 1096 , 95 S.Ct. 690 , 42 L.Ed.2d 688 (1974). In dictum, we have encouraged the use of such orders. Farr v. Pitchess, 522 F.2d 464, 468-69 (9th Cir.1975), cert. denied, 427 U.S. 912 , 96 S.Ct. 3200 , 49 L.Ed.2d 1203 (1976). We are aware of only two cases in which restraining orders against trial participants were invalidated. In both cases, the court focused on the inadequacy of the district court’s findings and the overbreadth of the restraint. Halkin, 598 F.2d at 196-97 ; Chase v. Robson, 435 F.2d 1059, 1061-62 (7th Cir.1970) (per curiam). In light of this backdrop, we now turn to an examination of the district court’s order.

B. The Existence of a Serious and Imminent Threat to the Administration of Justice

The sixth amendment states that “[i]n all criminal prosecutions,' the accused shall enjoy the right to a ... trial, by an impartial jury____” A criminal defendant’s right to a fair trial is an essential part of our system of justice. Nebraska Press Association, 427 U.S. at 551 , 96 S.Ct. at 2799 . In Sheppard v. Maxwell, 384 U.S. 333 , 86 S.Ct. 1507 , 16 L.Ed.2d 600 (1966), the Court placed the burden on the trial court to insure that media coverage does not affect the fairness of the proceeding. The Court stated:

Id. at 362-63 , 86 S.Ct. at 1522-23 ; see Nebraska Press Association, 427 U.S. at 551-55 , 96 S.Ct. at 2799-2801 . We have recognized that the Sheppard Court unequivocally imposed a duty upon trial courts to take affirmative steps to insure the fairness of a criminal proceeding in the face of excessive publicity. Farr, 522 F.2d at 468 ; see also Hirschkop, 594 F.2d at 366 n. 8 (noting that the language in Sheppard “is more nearly directive than suggestive”).

The sixth amendment is a limitation on the government and does not give the prosecution the right to a fair trial. See CBS, 729 F.2d at 1184 (Goodwin, J., concurring). It does not follow, however, that the need to restrict publicity is lessened when the publicity is caused by the actions of the defense, rather than the prosecution. We must consider the fundamental interest of the government and the public in insuring the integrity of the judicial process. Society has the right to expect that the judicial system will be fair and impartial to all who *597 come before it. Tijerina, 412 F.2d at 666 ; cf. Mapp v. Ohio, 367 U.S. 643, 659 , 81 S.Ct. 1684, 1694 , 6 L.Ed.2d 1081 (1961) (basing the existence of the exclusionary rule, in part, on “ ‘the imperative of judicial integrity’ ”) (quoting Elkins v. United States, 364 U.S. 206, 222 , 80 S.Ct. 1437, 1447 , 4 L.Ed.2d 1669 (1960)). As the Tenth Circuit noted, “The public has an overriding interest that justice be done in a controversy between the government and individuals and has the right to demand and expect ‘fair trials designed to end in just judgments.’ ” Tijerina, 412 F.2d at 666 (quoting Wade v. Hunter, 336 U.S. 684, 689 , 69 S.Ct. 834, 837 , 93 L.Ed. 974 (1949)). The mere fact that a threat to the integrity of the judicial process is created by a private litigant, rather than by the government, is of little consequence. See Chicago Council of Lawyers, 522 F.2d at 254 (noting that “the Government is entitled to a fair trial”); United States v. Mandel, 408 F.Supp. 673, 677 (D.Md.1975). The potential for injury to the integrity of the judicial process is significant in cases involving trial publicity. As the Supreme Court has noted, “The theory of our system is that the conclusions to be reached in a case will be induced only by evidence and argument in open court, and not by any outside influence, whether of private talk or public print.” Patterson v. Colorado ex rel. Attorney General, 205 U.S. 454, 462 , 27 S.Ct. 556, 558 , 51 L.Ed. 879 (1907) (per Holmes, J.); see Estes v. Texas, 381 U.S. 532, 540 , 85 S.Ct. 1628, 1631 , 14 L.Ed.2d 543 (1965). This objective can be obtained only if publicity created by private litigants is subject to reasonable restrictions.

We do not mean to imply that the government has an absolute right to an impartial jury. Indeed, it is appropriate for the defense, within certain limits, to seek a jury that is partial to the defendant. The ability of the defendant to seek a partial jury must be limited, however, by the legitimate expectation of the government and the public that the judicial system will produce fair results. Accordingly, the judiciary cannot escape the task of fixing the limits within which a defendant may attempt to create publicity.

The district court based its decision to issue the restraining order on the existence of a serious and imminent threat to the administration of justice. The district court entered the following oral findings:

The petitioners contend that the district court’s findings were both inadequate and unsupported by the record.

Initially, the petitioners argue that the district court’s order can be upheld only if the government has shown that an impartial jury cannot be selected. In two recent decisions, we invalidated prior restraints on the ground that it was inconceivable that pretrial publicity in Los Angeles could prevent the selection of an impartial jury. CBS, 729 F.2d at 1179-82 (invalidating an order restraining CBS from broadcasting a government surveillance tape prior to trial); Associated Press, 705 F.2d at 1146 (invalidating an order closing pretrial proceedings). In CBS and Associated Press , we relied on language from Nebraska Press Association indicating that the size of the jury pool was a crucial consideration. 427 U.S. at 563-65 , 96 S.Ct. at 2804-06 (invalidating a pretrial order restraining the media from reporting facts detrimental to the defendant). Unlike Nebraska Press Association, CBS, and Associated Press , this case does not involve an order aimed solely at curbing pretrial publicity. Instead, the district court’s order was aimed expressly at publicity during, or immediately before, trial. As the district court noted, this type of publicity has a greater potential for prejudice than publicity months in advance of trial. See United States v. Coast of Maine Lobster Co., 538 F.2d 899, 902 (1st Cir.1976); Chicago Council of Lawyers, 522 F.2d at 253 . Even if an impartial jury could be selected, intense prejudicial publicity during and immediately before trial could allow the jury to be swayed by extrajudicial influences. More importantly, the circus-like environment that surrounds highly publicized trials threatens the integrity of the judicial system. See Sheppard, 384 U.S. at 342-49 , 86 S.Ct. at 1511-15 (describing the circus-like environment surrounding the Sheppard trial). Accordingly, the district court’s conclusion that publicity posed a serious and imminent threat to the administration of justice was appropriate.

The petitioners also argue that the district court overstated the amount of publicity involved in the case. We disagree. While we have focused on the article in the Los Angeles Times, it is apparent that this case has received widespread publicity. The district court found that the level of publicity would increase as the trial approached. We conclude that the district court’s findings in this regard were appropriate. See Nebraska Press Association, 427 U.S. at 562-63 , 96 S.Ct. at 2804-05 (“Our review of the pretrial record persuades us that the trial judge was justified in concluding that there would be intense and pervasive pretrial publicity concerning this case. He could also reasonably conclude, based on common human experience, that publicity might impair the defendant’s right to a fair trial.”).

Finally, we must determine whether the extrajudicial statements by trial participants are the cause of prejudicial publicity. Both the Supreme Court and this court have recognized the effectiveness of restraining orders against trial participants. Nebraska Press Association, 427 U.S. at 564 , 96 S.Ct. at 2805 ; Farr, 522 F.2d at 468-69 ; cf. Freedman & Starwood, supra, at 610-13 (arguing that the language in Nebraska Press Association should be viewed as dictum). Moreover, the district court found that extrajudicial statements by attorneys threatened to create extensive prejudicial publicity. Accordingly, we conclude that the district court properly found that its order would be effective.

In sum, we conclude that the record supports the district court’s conclusion that the activity restrained poses a serious and imminent threat to the administration of justice.

C. The Narrowness of the Order

The district court's order bars trial participants from making “any statements to members of the news media concerning any aspect of this case that bears upon the *599 merits to be resolved by the jury.” While the order is not expressly limited to extrajudicial statements, the district court had noted that the attorneys could communicate their views to the media “through opening and closing statements, as well as through effective examination of witnesses.” The petitioners contend that the order is both vague and overbroad.

We do not agree that the order is vague. A restraining order is unconstitutionally vague if it fails to give clear guidance regarding the types of speech for which an individual may be punished. See Smith v. Goguen, 415 U.S. 566, 572-73 , 94 S.Ct. 1242, 1246-47 , 39 L.Ed.2d 605 (1974); J. Nowak, R. Rotunda & J. Young, Constitutional Law 871-72 (2d ed. 1983). Applying that standard, we conclude that the order is not unconstitutionally vague. Cf. Hirschkop, 594 F.2d at 371 (holding that “other matters that are reasonably likely to interfere with a fair trial” is too vague).

We conclude, however, that the order is overbroad. It is apparent that many statements that bear “upon the merits to be resolved by the jury” present no danger to the administration of justice. See Halkin, 598 F.2d at 196 -97 & n. 51. After the filing of this opinion, the district court must determine which types of extrajudicial statements pose a serious and imminent threat to the administration of justice in this case. The district court then must fashion an order specifying the proscribed types of statements. With regard to statements by the prosecution, it would be appropriate for the district court to order the government to observe the self-imposed limitations set forth in 28 C.F.R. § 50.2 (b) (1984). With regard to statements by the defense, it would be appropriate to proscribe statements relating to one or more of the following subjects:

In its oral order, the district court considered and rejected several alternatives to a restraining order. The petitioners challenge the district court’s findings regarding each alternative.

1. Voir Dire

In Nebraska Press Association , the Court suggested that “searching questioning of prosepctive jurors ... to screen out those with fixed opinions as to guilt or innocence” would be an appropriate alternative to a restraining order. 427 U.S. at 564 , 96 S.Ct. at 2805 . The district court rejected that alternative in this ease:

*599 See also Model Rules of Professional Conduct, Rule 3.6 (1983); ABA Standards for Criminal Justice Standard 8-1.1 (1982); Model Code of Professional Responsibility DR 7-107 (1979).

D. The Availability of Less Restrictive Alternatives

The petitioners argue that searching voir dire would eliminate any bias caused by pretrial publicity. While that may be true, we agree with the district court that voir dire cannot eliminate prejudice caused by publicity during the trial. Moreover, voir dire cannot alleviate the harm to the integrity of the judicial process caused by the extrajudicial statements of trial participants.

2. Instructions

In Nebraska Press Association , the Court also suggested “the use of emphatic and clear instructions on the sworn duty of each juror to decide the issues only on evidence presented in open court.” 427 U.S. at 564 , 96 S.Ct. at 2805 . The district court rejected this alternative:

The petitioners challenge the district court’s finding solely on the ground that nothing in the record proves that the jurors would not abide by such instructions. We recognize, however, that jury instructions are often an ineffective remedy. See, e.g., Silverthorne v. United States, 400 F.2d 627, 643 (9th Cir.1968); Isaacson, Fair Trial and Free Press: An Opportunity for Coexistence, 29 Stan.L.Rev. 561, 566-67 (1977). The district court’s finding that such instructions would be inadequate is not baseless. Moreover, we note that jury instructions cannot address the threat to judicial integrity posed by prejudicial extrajudicial statements.

3. Change of Venue or Postponement

The Nebraska Press Association Court also suggested change of trial venue and postponement of the trial date as alternatives to a restraining order. 427 U.S. at 563-64 , 96 S.Ct. at 2804-05 . The district court rejected those alternatives because “[hjere the problem is with curbing unwarranted statements by counsel, and a change of venue or postponement would simply have no effect on the problem.” We agree. A change of venue would be appropriate if the publicity surrounding a trial is centered on a specific geographical location. A postponement would be appropriate if the publicity is temporary. This case presents neither situation.

4. Sequestation

The Nebraska Press Association Court noted that sequestration of jurors is always an alternative. 427 U.S. at 564 , 96 S.Ct. at 2805 . The district court rejected that alternative:

The negative effects of sequestration are well documented. E.g., J. Van Dyke, Jury Selection Procedures 181-83 (1977). We conclude that the district court properly rejected this alternative.

5. Summary

The various alternatives to a restraining order would be either ineffective or counterproductive. A restraining order on trial participants, however, is a highly *601 effective remedy for excessive trial publicity. In Sheppard , the Court stated:

384 U.S. at 363 , 86 S.Ct. at 1522 . In Farr , we endorsed the remedy employed by the district court:

In a criminal case the trial judge has a duty and obligation to attempt to protect the right of the defendants to a fair trial, free of adverse publicity. Where the case is a notorious one, that burden on the court is heavy. The most practical and recommended procedure to insure against dissemination of prejudicial information is the entry of an order directing that attorneys, court personnel, enforcement officers and witnesses refrain from releasing any information which might interfere with the right of the defendant to a fair trial.

522 F.2d at 468 . We conclude that the district court’s choice of remedy was appropriate. 3

V

CONCLUSION

The petition for a writ of mandamus is granted. The district court is directed to define the scope of the restraining order in accordance with this opinion. This .panel shall retain jurisdiction over any subsequent petitions for writs of mandamus arising out of the restraining order at issue in this case. The mandate shall issue forthwith.

It is so ordered.

. Under the facts of this case, we reject the argument that a restraining order against Miller’s attorneys prevents Miller from communicating with the media. By testifying at the Ogorodnikovs’ trial, Miller was able to communicate his version of the events in question to the media. We also note that the district court’s order does not prevent Miller from issuing a statement to the media through his family members. Finally, we observe that the restraining order only limits extrajudicial statements by Miller’s attorneys. Miller’s attorneys are free to present Miller’s case in open court. Accordingly, we need not decide whether a restraining order against defense attorneys is permissible when the defendant cannot communicate with the media.

We also note that the present petition does not challenge the government’s ability to deny Miller direct contact with the media. Cf. Houchins v. KQED, Inc., 438 U.S. 1 , 98 S.Ct. 2588 , 57 L.Ed.2d 553 (1978); Main Road v. Aytch, 522 F.2d 1080 (3d Cir.1975).

. DR 7-107 of the Model Code of Professional Responsibility places specific limitations on extrajudicial statements by attorneys. See also Model Rules of Professional Conduct Rule 3.6 (1983); ABA Standards for Criminal Justice Standard 8-1.1 (1982). Several courts have held that attorney discipline is appropriate under DR 7-107 if there is a reasonable likelihood of prejudice to a fair trial. E.g., Hirschkop v. Snead, 594 F.2d 356, 365-70 (4th Cir.1979) (en banc); In re Rachmiel, 90 N.J. 646 , 449 A.2d 505 (1982). A few courts have required either a serious and imminent threat to the administration of justice or a clear and present danger. E.g., Chicago Council of Lawyers v. Bauer, 522 F.2d 242 (7th Cir.1975), cert. denied, 427 U.S. 912 , 96 S.Ct. 3201 , 49 L.Ed.2d 1204 (1976). But cf. Note, A Constitutional Assessment of Court Rules Restricting Lawyer Comment on Pending Litigation, 65 Cornell L.Rev. 1106 (1980) (arguing that the difference between the two standards is not constitutionally significant).

California has not adopted DR 7-107. In the context of an attorney’s violation of a restraining order, however, a contempt conviction was evaluated under the "reasonable likelihood” standard. Younger v. Smith, 30 Cal.App.3d 138, 163 , 106 Cal.Rptr. 225, 242 (1973); see also Press-Enterprise Co. v. Superior Court, 37 Cal.3d 772 , 691 P.2d 1026, 1032 , 209 Cal.Rptr. 360, 366 (1984) (applying the "reasonable likelihood of substantial prejudice” standard in deciding whether to allow media access to preliminary hearing transcripts).

The Central District of California has not adopted a local rule to deal specifically with, extrajudicial statements. Cf. C.D.Cal.R. 2.5.2 (“No attorney shall engage in any conduct which degrades or impugns the integrity of this Court or in any manner interferes with the administration of justice therein.”). We note that other districts have adopted such rules. E.g., N.D.Cal.R. 130-2 (repealed 1983).

. We reject the petitioners’ argument that the government has "unclean hands.” See Sheppard, 384 U.S. at 359 n. 13, 86 S.Ct. at 1520 n. 13.