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Prosecutors Object To Bond For Kennedy Cousin Michael Skakel

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Prosecutors objected Wednesday to the release of Kennedy cousin Michael Skakel from prison, while he awaits a new trial in the 1975 slaying of neighbor Martha Moxley.

Connecticut Judge Thomas Bishop last week ordered a new trial for Skakel, ruling his trial attorney failed to adequately represent him in 2002 when he was found guilty in Moxley's golf club bludgeoning. Skakel and Moxley were 15-year-old neighbors in wealthy Greenwich at the time of her death.

Prosecutors Object To Bond For Kennedy Cousin Michael Skakel

Prosecutors said in a motion Wednesday that Bishop does not have the authority to grant bond because of an automatic stay of his ruling while they appeal.

Skakel attorney Hubert Santos says Bishop has the authority to grant bail and keeping Skakel locked up until his next trial ``would be a miscarriage of justice.''

Skakel argued that his trial attorney, Michael Sherman, was negligent in defending him when he was convicted in the golf club bludgeoning of Martha Moxley when they were 15 years old in Greenwich.

Prosecutors contended Sherman's efforts far exceeded standards and that the verdict was based on compelling evidence against Skakel.

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