BAGHDAD, Iraq — The defense began closing arguments in the trial of Saddam Hussein today, but most of the lawyers boycotted the court because of the slaying last month of an attorney for the former Iraqi leader.

In a new security measure, the lawyer's face was not shown in the television broadcast of the trial and his voice was electronically altered — unlike previous sessions in which the defense lawyers were openly shown.

The lawyers for Saddam and three of his top co-defendants were not present, and one of them told The Associated Press that they were boycotting the court until better security was put in place and other demands were met.

TOKYO — Japan said today it was considering whether a pre-emptive strike on the North's missile bases would violate its constitution, suggesting it could take stronger action against the reclusive regime if the U.N. Security Council rejects its resolution calling for sanctions.Japan was badly rattled by North Korea's missile tests last week and several government officials openly discussed whether the country ought to take steps to better defend itself, including setting up the legal framework to allow Tokyo to launch a pre-emptive strike against Northern missile sites.Japan's constitution currently bars the use of military force in settling international disputes and prohibits Japan from maintaining a military for warfare. Tokyo has interpreted that to mean it can have armed troops to protect itself, allowing the existence of its 240,000-strong Self-Defense Forces.