Mandate for work program sparks debate, draws criticism.

AUSTIN, Texas _ The escape of death row inmate Martin Gurule has launched not only a massive manhunt but also a new wave of criticism over federal mandates in a long-running prison lawsuit.

Gurule, 29, was part of a work program for death row inmates _ the only one in the nation, prison officials said. The program was a requirement listed in a 1992 prison lawsuit settlement.

Some prison officials believe the work program allowed a breakdown in strict security and helped propel Gurule over the prison fence.

But other state officials said it is too soon to blame a program, or a lawsuit, for what might be a lack of security.

Death row's …