A preliminary hearing for Luka Rocco Magnotta has adjourned for a day while the judge weighs whether the public and the media should be barred from attending the procedure.

The high-profile case was back in court, in a high-security room, as lawyers argued over an exceptional request to hold the hearing behind closed doors.

Magnotta is charged with first-degree murder in the slaying of Chinese-born student Jun Lin last May. He has pleaded not guilty.

Lawyers for the accused, the prosecution, media organizations and Lin's family all spoke in court today. The evidence discussed is subject to a publication ban.

Quebec court Judge Lori-Renee Weitzman is expected to issue a ruling on the matter on Tuesday morning.

Clad from head to toe in white, Magnotta sat quietly, with his arms folded in his lap. His feet and hands were shackled and he was in a glass box that was sealed off from the rest of the courtroom.

Photo: Luka Rocco Magnotta arrives at Trudeau Airport from Berlin in June 2012. Montreal police handout.