The trial of Greg Craig was unexpectedly thrown off-course Tuesday when defense lawyers for the former White House counsel objected to a jury selection that has played out largely behind closed doors, prompting a Washington federal judge to restart the process from scratch.

U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson of the District of Columbia barred the public from sitting in on the bulk of questioning Monday, a step she said would protect the privacy of jurors in the closely watched case. Prosecutors and Craig’s defense team did not object at the time, and after hours of reviewing potential jurors, the two sides had been expected to present opening statements Tuesday.