CENTENNIAL, Colo.—Prosecutors in the Colorado theater shootings say laws on insanity and the death penalty are constitutional and don’t need any of the explanations requested by the defense.

Prosecutors filed their response Wednesday to motions by James Holmes’ attorneys saying the laws are vague. The defense also argues the laws violate Holmes’ rights by possibly barring him from calling witnesses to testify about his mental health during the penalty phase of his trial.

Holmes is charged with killing 12 at a movie theater in July. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.

A judge entered a standard not guilty plea on Holmes’ behalf. Holmes wants to change that to not guilty by reason of insanity.

The judge must approve the change but first must rule on the defense objections to the laws.