The judge denied a defense motion to declare a mistrial.
He has twice asked, unsuccessfully, for Justice Doyle to declare a mistrial on technicalities.
She did not then grant a request by Tensing's attorney to declare a mistrial.
Judge Sullivan earlier admonished prosecutors on two occasions for failings, though he declined to declare a mistrial.
But defense lawyers say it can be treacherous to press a judge to declare a mistrial if there is still a chance at an acquittal.
The jury sent the note shortly after the lunch break on Monday, and defense lawyers quickly asked Justice Edward J. McLaughlin to declare a mistrial.
If the jury is not able to decide, Lynch can declare a mistrial on the lone undecided point while accepting the verdict on the other eight.
The new assertions came after Judge Emmet G. Sullivan had already admonished prosecutors on two occasions for earlier failings, although he declined on Thursday to declare a mistrial.
After a brief recess, Newman indicated he would not declare a mistrial and requested a note from the jury asking precisely what explanation of the law was required.
"At this stage of things, with the jury indicating a willingness and interest... it would be improper for the court to declare a mistrial," Newman said.
But there was some simmering resentment that Judge William Hollingsworth of Superior Court had been forced to declare a mistrial again.
