Lawyers for a death row inmate asked a judge Monday to stall the execution until a court hears a lawsuit filed by 45 of the convict's relatives who want to attend the execution. State attorneys called the lawsuit "a sham" with the sole purpose of postponing Friday's execution of Samuel Flippen, convicted in the 1994 beating death of his 2-year-old stepdaughter. Defense attorneys said the lawsuit raised valid claims about how many relatives may attend the execution of a family member. Judge J.B. Allen heard arguments during the hourlong hearing Monday in Wake County Superior Court. Allen said he would decide Tuesday whether to grant a temporary restraining order, which could stall the execution. The lawsuit was filed last week against Central Prison Warden Marvin Polk, who defense attorneys say gave Flippen a letter Aug.