Montpelier, Vermont - July 19, 2010
Lawyers for accused killer Michael Jacques are renewing their efforts to block prosecutors from applying the death penalty if he's convicted.
Jacques is being prosecuted in federal court for the kidnap, rape and murder of his 12-year-old niece Brooke Bennett.
In a new court filing, defense attorneys say America's capital punishment system is broken and refute the prosecutors' contention that it's appropriate in the case against Jacques. Prosecutors say there is ample case law to support a federal prosecution -- and imposing the death penalty.
Click here for complete coverage of the Brooke Bennett case.