Original subtitles

Previously on L .A. Law.

Arnie, would you be willing to co -sign a note for me on a loan?

You're buying a car?

I owe the IRS $14 ,000.

Rock, you've got a visitor.

Our last date wasn't that bad, was it? It was fine.

So, how about dinner sometime?

That'd be swell.

How about tomorrow? Cause I gotta go to Boston over the weekend and who knows, I

could go down in a plane crash and you'd never get to know the real me.

Busy?

I can come back.

No, no, no. Come on in. Come on in.

I want to ask you about bankruptcy.

What's wrong with you, Roxanne?

I'm 38 years old, and I've got absolutely nothing.

No family, no money. I've got no control over my own life.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry. I've got to go.

I'm sorry, honey.

It's 9 .15. You're supposed to messenger the supplementary declaration to Judge

Kemper by 9 o 'clock. I'll get it done right away. I've already done it.

What's the problem?

I was robbed on the way to work.

It's okay.

It's not okay.

I don't want to have to be scared to death to come to work.

Kepler versus Henderson.

Leland, I believe this one is yours.

Mr. Kepler whacked Mr.

Henderson with his artificial leg after the man allegedly defamed him. We have

an action against him for slander, and he has one against us for assault and

battery. Pardon me, since we're talking about liability here.

This has got to be ten grand tops. Why is this being handled by a senior

who bills out at $300 an hour?

Because Mr. Kepler insists, that's why.

That old geezer's suing everybody.

What's his problem?

Who knows?

Moving along, do we know the whereabouts of Victor Cifuentes?

Oh, yeah, I spoke to him last night.

He's finishing up in Cabo San Lucas, and he'll be back here for a couple of days

to meet with the twins.

The twins? They're here in L .A.? Yeah.

Do you want to explain to me, please, this infantile sexual fascination that

have with twins?

It's not infantile. It's, uh... Well, it's just different, that's all.

Like you know all about it?

Well, not all about it, no.

But I once had a little summer fling with a couple of twins.

No, get out of here.

I don't believe it. Oh, my God.

Hello. Oh, it's them.

Excuse me, I have a grin and holly to back here looking for Victor.

They say it's very important and they need a lawyer.

I'll go. No, no, this is domestic. Stop.

Stuart!

Could be a tax problem.

Michael, since you were the one who spoke to Victor, would you please tell

young ladies when they'll be back and send them away? We've got an agenda to

complete.

John, I'm Henry. Please.

Ricky!

You got a visitor. Some guy named David Meyer.

Hi.

David.

What are you doing here?

I just got back from Cleveland. I wanted to apologize about what happened at

dinner last week.

Why? I was the one who acted like a jerk. Well, if I just shut up and

instead of endlessly talking about myself, I would have realized what kind

trouble you're in.

David, come on. Can I call you later? This isn't really a great time right

Yeah, it's just, look, I just want to ask you one question, okay? I mean, have

you figured out what you're going to do about a car yet?

Yeah, I'm taking a bus.

Because, you see, I have this car. Oh, excuse me, I'm sorry.

Actually, I have three of them.

It's my one vice, cars.

Anyway, they're just sitting there in the garage. I'm gone 20 days out of the

month. There have been some break -ins in the neighborhood. And if you could

just drive them for me.

Oh, I don't think so.

Why not?

I mean, it's got to be riding the bus, and you'd be doing me a huge favor.

I don't know.

It wouldn't be right.

Look, I'm leaving town for a couple of days. Why don't we just try it? If

not comfortable, no problem.

Well... Because, see, I thought it might be a solution to both of our problems.

That's all.

Okay. Great.

I'm flying to Philly in the morning. Why don't I swing by, pick you up after

work, take you over to my place, and you could drive one home tonight.

Okay. Great.

So I'll see you at 5 .30.

Vernon,

welcome. Leland.

You remember my granddaughter, Jennifer.

Well, I most certainly do.

Jennifer's a third -year law student. If you don't mind, I'd like you to sit in.

Why? Here, take a look at her resume.

She's brilliant, Leland. You should hire her. Grandpa.

I'm sorry about that. Oh, don't be. Don't be. I'll be glad to take a look at

First things first, Vernon.

Let's talk about your case.

I'm ready.

I can settle this out right now for $5 ,000. No way.

That SOB's not getting a nickel. I did nothing wrong.

You whacked him over the head with your leg.

After he slandered me. It was an argument over card game, Vernon. It

slander. And it's just as frivolous as all your other lawsuits.

I hired you to represent me in a trial, Leland.

And I'm damn well going to get that trial. Yeah? Now, you hired me to render

legal advice.

My advice is to stop running around picking fights with people and suing

This case is a loser. It should be settled. I didn't back down on the

Normandy when World War II took my leg.

I didn't back down when they told me I need a college education to be a

I built a multimillion -dollar company from scratch and served on the boards of

four different banks.

I didn't get where I am by running scared.

This isn't about courage. Damn it! He called me a liar.

I'm not going to give that stiff 5 ,000 bucks. That's half the cost of a three

-day trial, Grandpa.

Now stop being a stubborn old goat and let Mr. McKenzie try for a settlement.

It's foolish to rule something out before trying all the possibilities.

And if it doesn't fly, you'll be willing to try it, right?

Of course.

Okay, Grandpa?

All right.

But don't you offer a penny over 5 ,000 bucks, Leland? Not one bloody penny.

We usually keep all the jewelry locked away in the glass cases. But with the

sale and everything, there were a lot of earrings and rings out on the counter

that day. So I was a little extra security conscious.

And you said you saw the defendant as soon as he entered?

Oh, yes. I noticed him the second he came in because he looked very

I immediately told Walter Bryles, our security guard, to watch him.

So what happened then, Mrs. Clarence? I just went about my business, and then a

few minutes later, the shouting broke out.

What shouting was that, ma 'am?

Walter wanted to search the man's pockets, and the man wouldn't let him.

He was just really screaming, and when he tried to leave... Walter grabbed him.

What happened then? I hit the alarm, and when I turned back, they were in a

wrestling match.

Walter's gun was out, and the man was prying the gun away from him. The man

being the defendant?

Yes, and then he shot him. He shot Walter with his own gun and then ran

Walter was just lying on the floor. People were screaming. We all thought he

dead. It was awful.

Thank you, Mrs. Claren.

No further questions.

You didn't actually see my client take any hearings, did you?

No, but... He was suspicious, I know.

Why was he suspicious, ma 'am?

Well, he was acting sort of funny.

You said he looked suspicious the second he walked in, Mrs. Clarence.

Is it your testimony you reached this conclusion after a one -second

of my client's behavior?

No, but he was awfully young.

He's 26 years old.

Well, most of our customers are older. I mean, a young person is a real rarity

there, since they really don't usually have enough money to buy the kind of

jewelry that we sell, you know. I see.

You, sir, on the right.

Could you stand up, sir?

Sure. How old are you, sir?

I'm 25.

If this man were to walk in the jewelry store, Mrs. Clarent...

Would you find him suspicious?

No.

Thank you, sir.

So I ask you again, Mrs. Clarence, why was my client suspicious?

Well, his youth was a part of it, and the way he was dressed.

How was he dressed, ma 'am? Well, I don't remember exactly what he wore, but

looked poor.

Not the kind of person that would buy jewelry.

May I ask you to stand up again, sir?

My client was wearing khaki pants, white running shoes, a light blue shirt, and

a blue windbreaker, exactly the way this man is dressed right here.

I object to this trick.

Overruled. Exactly like this man, who, according to your testimony under oath,

does not look suspicious.

I'll ask you one more time, ma 'am.

Why did my client look suspicious to you?

Come on, Mrs. Clarent.

The rule without behavior.

We ruled out clothing.

We ruled out age.

What's left, Mrs. Clarent?

We don't get many colored people in.

So you planted the seeds of suspicion with the security guard because James

Edwards was black.

I just told him to watch him, that's all.

You just said, watch him.

Thank you, Mrs. Clarent.

Thank you very, very much.

This case has nothing to do with color, and he knows it. But he is making his

client out to be this poor victim of racial bigotry.

Are you sure that he's not?

This kid has got a list of priors as long as my arm. He has knocked over

jewelry stores before, which, of course, the jury knows nothing about because

Atkins got it all suppressed.

Sounds like you're good. He is good.

He does not have to use race as a smokescreen. Sounds like you ought to

yourself a black DA.

Maybe Greg Fields. Get him to sit in with you. No way.

The second I come down to his level, that is when I lose this case.

What are you going to do?

Nail him.

Without pandering to a jury's guilt, I am going to beat his brains out, fair

square. Now, whatever happened to the sweet, docile, adoring girl that I fell

love with?

I don't know, dear. Maybe you can look for her at your high school reunion.

Were you ever a cheerleader?

Stop it.

Woofie.

Wow.

Isn't it great?

What's Jimmy out of jail?

You're not going to believe it.

David Meyer's letting me borrow it.

See a little? What?

Very funny, Elizabeth.

He's got three cars, and he worries that they might get vandalized while he's

out of town on business.

Uh -huh. And I'm an Indian princess.

Oh, Douglas.

Jennifer Kepler's resume.

The old man's granddaughter?

Mm -hmm.

CLA. Top ten.

Law review.

Take a look. We'll talk. She could be a good one.

Arnold Becker's office.

Hi, David.

How's your trip?

Is it pouring?

Oh, it's wonderful.

It's so much fun to drive.

A person could get really spoiled.

And for you, Roxanne, I signed for him.

David, could you hold on a minute?

Roses are red, violets are blue. I'm coming home tomorrow. Could I have lunch

with you?

David, they're beautiful.

Yeah, you shouldn't have.

Of course, I'll have lunch with you tomorrow.

Yeah, great.

I'll see you then, okay?

Okay, bye.

Oh, wait.

They're so pretty.

I bet they cost a lot of money.

Yeah. What should I do, Benny?

I don't know.

Put water in them?

So, you and the twins.

You gonna tell Uncle Arnie all about it?

No, Uncle Arnie.

Okay, so you don't have to say anything graphic. Maybe you could just blink once

for yes, twice for no.

Was it fantastic?

Pretty good.

I'd have given anything to a bad twin.

You're still young, Arnie. Hello.

My playing days are over.

Wait a minute.

You and the judge?

Guilty as charged.

Serious?

Well, let's put it this way. If her divorce were final, I'd marry her

Whoa, now that is serious.

Oh, let me ask you this. Let me ask you this.

Did you experience them, as it were, individually, or, you know, as a package

deal?

Both.

I've never been sexually jealous of another man ever till now.

Schnauzer.

No deal. They refused to settle. I'll tell you that slug would never go

You also tell her how you sabotaged the settlement conference by phoning the

slug an hour before the meeting?

Tell her how you swore at him?

Inflaming him? I called to initiate a dialogue.

He started the stream first. Vernon, I'll represent you in this trial.

This is the last one.

After this case, get yourself another lawyer.

I'm telling you it was an absolute affront.

He called me a liar, a thief.

The abuse was unrelenting. So it was then you removed your prosthesis? But

to hit him with it. I've been taking the thing off at meetings for 25 years,

ever since I saw Khrushchev silent in that room by pounding his shoe.

I'll tell you, it really gets their attention.

Well, you're saying then you do this for effect.

Exactly. It unnerves people, and I use it to my advantage.

In this case, I was simply trying to intimidate Mr. Henderson a little.

What happened then?

The abuse escalated into a scathing personal attack.

He called me a criminal, said I was pathological.

I lost my temper and I struck him.

Not hurt, but I did.

Sorry it happened, but I really was provoked.

Thank you, Mr. Kepler. Nothing further.

Mr. Kepler.

The bulk of this scathing personal attack was the accusation that you

a game of cribbage, right?

There's nothing insignificant about being called a cheater. But the point

this was just an ordinary dispute over a silly card game until you suddenly

began to beat my client senseless with an acrylic foot.

Objection. Staying. And when my client tried to run for safety, you threw it at

him, didn't you?

Underhand. Mr. Kepler, did my client ever touch you?

No, but... Did he ever physically threaten you?

No. In fact, then, sir, this is a case where you responded to verbal taunts

physical violence, isn't it? He deserved it. Thank you, sir. Nothing further.

That man is responding... Nothing further, sir. Thank you.

And then what did you do, Mr. Bryles? Then I asked to search his pockets.

He started screaming at me.

He made a move for the door, and that's when I grabbed him.

Had you identified yourself as the security guard? Yes, but that didn't

stop him. Then I drew my weapon and tried to apprehend him.

He really went nuts.

He started wrestling for the gun, and then all of a sudden...

Take your time, Mr. Brown.

I think I know I heard this pop.

Didn't even sound like a real gun.

And then I...

I felt this burning feeling in my stomach, and then I felt nothing at

all.

Did you know what had happened?

I remember lying on the floor and thinking, oh, God, how did I get here?

And then thinking, oh, God, I must be shot.

I must be shot.

Mr. Briles.

Do you see the man who shot you in this courtroom today?

That's him.

The defendant.

Thank you, sir.

Nothing further.

You, uh...

You

couldn't actually see what it was my client put in his pocket, could you?

I saw him holding earrings.

I saw him slip his hand into his pocket.

I had a good idea.

A good idea, but you could have been wrong, true?

In seven years, I've stopped over 80 people, Counselor. I was wrong three

And for those three mistakes, what color skin did the suspects have?

What difference does that make? See, I don't know.

Humor me.

What color were they, sir?

I believe they were black.

Funny thing.

And of those 80 -some -odd detentions, how many times did you have occasion to

draw your weapon?

Before this time?

Four other times.

And could you tell us the color of the suspects on those occasions?

Objection. Overruled. Listen, buddy, 90 % of the store's thieves happen to be

black, so naturally statistics are... No, sir. You just made another mistake.

Police records indicate that only 47 % have been black. There was no mistake

that day. Your client was guilty of shoplifting. Wrong again, sir.

The law provides that a person cannot be guilty of shoplifting before he leaves

the store. And you jumped my client while he was still inside, didn't you?

Because I thought if he got outside, I wouldn't be able to catch him. Why?

Because blacks run faster than whites?

Objection. Withdrawn.

Isn't it true that you wanted to harass my client into leaving because he was

making the white customers nervous? Yeah, I harassed him real good and let

shoot me. Well, who drew the weapon, sir? You or he? I did because... You

grabbed who?

I grabbed the... Who called who a nigger?

Objection. Sustained. I never did. Now, you're on the oath, Mr. Bryles. Isn't it

true that you pointed the barrel of your gun at my client's head and said,

freeze, nigger, or I'll blow your black ass off? That's a complete lie! Mr.

Atkins. You victimized him, provoked him. Who's the victim?

I'm spending the rest of my life in a wheelchair because of that damn... Damn

what, Mr. Bryles? Damn what?

You're missing the noun.

Objection. What were you thinking? Coon, spade, jigaboo, jungle bunny? Your

Honor. Mr. Atkins. Go ahead, Mr. Bryles.

Finish the slur. Mr. Atkins, that will be enough.

I'm nothing further.

He always has to make the rules, always has to be in charge.

Whenever anybody challenges him, he throws a conniption.

You called him a cheater, didn't you? I asked to double -check his card count.

He inferred the allegation, not me. That's a lie.

Mr. Kepler, be quiet.

Isn't it true you began to shout at this man? Of course I yelled at him. We're

in a plush country club, people in suits and ties, and all of a sudden he's

waving around his fiberglass foot in a dirty sock.

You disparaged him in front of a room full of people. He disparaged himself.

Your client is an embittered man who can't get along with people.

Embittered? Motion distracted. You've destroyed every friendship you ever had.

Mr. Henderson.

You and I never had a real friendship.

You used me.

Objection. You needed me to.

Needed you?

I associated with you out of pity. Shut up, Bernard.

This man is estranged from everyone who's ever met him. He's a little

who thinks the whole world revolves around him.

I'm you.

Bernard, what the hell is going on here?

That's it.

Lawsuit number two. Assault number two.

I want that foot impounded. You've got to be kidding.

Give me back my leg. See how scruffed up it is?

You can tell he throws it all the time. I need a strike. I demand the return of

my client's limb, Your Honor. This is completely prejudicial. It should have

been tagged as an exhibit in the first place. Everybody, shut up. This is

inflammatory, and this is prejudicial. That is legitimate evidence. I said shut

up!

Counsel, in my chambers, now.

Jonathan.

Anyway, we're going to go down to the convention and see how it plays. If we

can't interest nurserymen in a garden tool catalog, then maybe you just can't

sell the stuff through mail order.

How long would you be gone?

Ten days.

I ought to go down Friday and set up a booth over the weekend.

By the way, you wouldn't want a house fit, would you? I know at short notice

can say no if you want to.

David. Sit around the pool for a couple of days, fire up the old jacuzzi. David,

I can't. Could be just what the doctor ordered. I said no.

It's just a suggestion. What's the big deal?

I just don't want to feel like some sort of reclamation project, that's all.

I may be broke, but I still have my pride. Of course you do. If you didn't,

wouldn't be interested in you.

That's the problem.

Look, I don't think that I can be interested in you the way I think you're

interested in me.

I'm just not looking for a relationship right now. And even if you were, it

wouldn't be with me, right?

No.

I don't want you to get the wrong idea and then get hurt.

I see.

Sorry.

If you want the car back, I understand.

Look, I'm not naive.

I know I'm not the most electrifying guy in the world.

I'm 45 years old, not much to look at. I'm not in a real glamorous profession.

I don't know a lot of interesting people.

Basically, I'm a schlub. You're not that bad. She said, damning with faint

praise.

I admit there's a part of me that wishes for something more with you, but I'm a

realist. I just want to be a part of your life, and if I have to, I'll settle

for your friendship.

Cars, flowers, houses, dinners.

I can't reciprocate, David.

You don't have to.

It makes me happy to be able to help you. Otherwise, what's the point of any

it? Oh, David.

I know. I'm sorry I'm making a fool of myself.

Just the opposite.

I think you are the sweetest guy I ever met.

There's no slander here, people.

Just a flat -out assault.

That man attacked my client that day, just as he did a little while ago before

your very eyes. And you know what?

He's going to keep doing it until somebody gives him the message to stop.

Now, that job is up to you, ladies and gentlemen.

Send him that message right now.

and help put an end to this meaningless violence.

I agree.

It's time to send a message.

But instead of issuing some dictum that people shouldn't use prosthetics

as weaponry, let's turn to the real abuse that's going on here.

Now, these two gentlemen have taken up three days of a California court.

Three days of your lives at great expense to the taxpayers with a silly

dispute over a card game.

Oh, yes.

He called him names and he hit him with his foot, but come on, nobody got hurt.

And it is a disgrace that this case is even before you.

You know, it takes over four years, ladies and gentlemen. to get a civil

to trial in Southern California.

That means legitimate victims, people who have suffered real tragedies, sit

wait while their cases are backlogged.

Backlogged on a docket crowded by stupid little matters like this where the only

things bruised are self -inflated egos.

I'm embarrassed to be the lawyer here.

My client is an immature 75 -year -old child, as is his counterpart, Mr.

Henderson. You want to send a message?

Don't reward either one of them.

Tell the world that litigation should be a last resort.

The courtroom is a place to send only those issues which cannot otherwise be

resolved. It is not a playground for rich eccentrics to air out their hurt

feelings.

Shame on both of them, ladies and gentlemen.

Let's send them to bed without any supper.

How dare you do that to me? You gave me no choice.

That was the only strategy left to me.

We could have won. Instead, you tell them to give me nothing.

Well, after that little stunt of yours, there was no chance of winning.

The only game plan left was to not lose.

I'm sorry if I embarrassed you.

But the best verdict we could possibly get would be a finding of no damages for

either party. And my argument was designed to get that verdict. You've had

I'll sue you for defamation, for malpractice. And I'll sue you right

You want to see litigation, Vernon?

You try taking me on. I'll hammer you.

I'll tell the jury.

About how you sued six people in the last year? I'll tell him about a man who

retired two years ago and has nothing better to do than go around trying to

new adversaries to hate. I'll tell him about a man who abuses the court process

to satisfy his own sense of vindictiveness.

Come on, sue me, Vernon.

It'll be the last shot you ever take.

You're done, Leland.

I'll get me another attorney. No, Grandpa.

Be quiet!

Are you going to shop around for a new granddaughter, too?

You're behaving badly, and I won't humor you at your own expense.

Now, Mr. McKenzie is acting in your best interest, and so am I, when I tell you

let him continue.

He's ridiculing me. He is just trying to win a case that you forced him to

prosecute. Now, please, let's just get through this one before you decide to

somebody else.

Okay?

You'll let us know when the jury comes back?

Sure.

Come on, Grandpa. Let's go home.

He never said, excuse me, or wait a second, or anything.

He just grabbed me from behind.

And what did you do?

I tried to push him off.

So he goes to get me around the neck, and I swung at him. So he pulls his gun

like he's going to shoot me. But James, if you hadn't taken the earrings, why

did you put up such a struggle?

You think being innocent counts for something.

It don't stop him from arresting you.

It don't stop him from shooting you.

You really believe a security guard can just shoot you and get away with it? All

I know.

is if you take a cop, a black dude, and a gun, and a gun goes off, nobody's ever

going to blame the cop.

Do you have any basis for that opinion, James?

I got a dead cousin with a big hole in his back. How's that for basis?

Objection. Goes to state of mind, Judge.

This witness has firsthand knowledge of an innocent person being shot dead by a

law enforcement officer.

That has no relevance whatsoever.

It is completely relevant.

Mr. Edwards had every right to fear for his life.

Now he's testifying.

You're obstructing. Be quiet, both of you.

How far is this path going to stray, Counselor?

I'm attempting to show, Judge, that my client had a legitimate distrust for

white security guard, just as he has a legitimate distrust for these

proceedings. He was jumped by an overzealous guard, and now he's being

prosecuted by an overzealous district attorney.

Objection! This woman was wounded a year ago by a black gang member, Your Honor,

and has since prosecuted black defendants more aggressively than

Move for an immediate mistrial. This trial is completely biased. Mr. Atkins,

will be quiet right now. I ask for a mistrial and for sanctions against

as well as contempt. Quiet.

No mistrial.

The jury will disregard that nonsense, and we will adjourn for 20 minutes,

during which time, Mr. Atkins, I would strongly suggest that you straighten up

your act. One more outburst like that, and this trial will be over, and I will

hold you in contempt.

We are adjourned.

What the hell was that?

It was me representing my client.

Calling me a racist goes beyond representing your client, Mr. Atkins.

to it.

I'll probably do it again.

It's a vicious lie.

But it's not the first one.

That security guard never called your client a nigger and you know it.

I never said he did. I just asked a question.

You're trotting out this racism crap as a way of deflecting attention from the

real issues of this case. Which are?

The guilt or innocence of the defendant based on what happened in that jewelry

store. You pick your issues, I'll pick mine.

You're hurting the credibility of every legitimate case against racism by

raising it where it's not relevant.

It's relevant every time a black person deals with white America.

Baloney! You're trying to turn this whole case on a jury's collective white

guilt. If they're not racist, they've got nothing to feel guilty about.

But that doesn't mean you'll let them off your hook, does it?

After all, you as a black man have to have the final authority on who is and

isn't a racist.

And the fact that you may be hurting your own cause isn't as important.

It's being able to stand up and be the accuser. My cause is to get my client

acquitted. And don't you dare presume to tell me what it should or shouldn't be.

What I'm doing in there is what any lawyer does.

You don't want to talk about racism.

I don't blame you. It doesn't help your case.

But I'm going to do my job in there. I'm going to use whatever I can to get an

acquittal.

You're in there to win, Ms. Van Owen.

So am I.

Have you reached a verdict?

Yes, we have, Your Honor. On question number one, in the matter of Vernon

versus Stephen Henderson for the cause of action of slander, we find in favor

the defendant, Stephen Henderson. For question two, in the matter of Stephen

Henderson versus Vernon Kepler for the cause of action of civil assault and

battery, we find in favor of the defendant on the cross -complaint,

Kepler. Thank you very much, ladies and gentlemen.

Court is adjourned. When is that? Right. Just take it easy. What happened?

You both lose.

Either one of you gets a dime.

This is the equitable way. What do you mean?

Leland.

I'm sorry.

It's all right.

Hey,

I'll meet you guys outside.

I don't hack retirement too well. I was the big man, the CEO.

Used to be so damn...

Significant. He's still significant, my friend.

I'm dropping the other lawsuits.

Lord knows what the hell I'll do, though.

Why don't you take some of that money you lose in the cribbage and start a new

business? Damn it, Leland.

There's an idea.

I'd need an attorney, though.

What am I, chopped liver?

Maybe we can kick around some ideas at dinner tonight.

Well, it would be my pleasure.

And my treat.

That's the least you can do after blowing my case like that.

They never found any earrings on my client.

Nor did anybody actually see him take them. The only thing seeing people was a

struggle between him and Walter Bryles, where a gun went off. And for that,

they're trying to charge James Ray Edwards with attempted murder.

Racism sometimes has a real simple formula, ladies and gentlemen.

White guy starts a fight. White guy pulls a gun. Gun goes off. Black man

And if you don't believe me when I tell you this, then just believe them.

The store clerk admitted under oath that my client looked suspicious simply

because his skin was black.

The security guard admitted under oath that his initial suspicion was

on the store clerk's paranoia.

His testimony revealed a history.

of harassing black people. And he mistakenly accused my client of a crime

didn't commit.

So why did James Ray Edwards act guilty?

By fighting back.

After all, if he were truly innocent, the wheels of justice would spin him

through exoneration.

This is a world where law enforcers are righteous.

A world where truth wins out.

A world where innocent people don't get punished.

The problem is James Ray Edwards never lived in that world. James Ray Edwards

lives in a world where he was judged a criminal simply by being black in a

jewelry store.

James Ray Edwards lives in a world where innocent people sometimes get shot in

the back by police officers.

James Ray Edwards lives in a world where the wheels of justice don't always spin

so good.

My client is being prosecuted.

for trying to fight his way free from a white man with a gun.

He feared for his very life.

And if you can't comprehend that fear, then it's simply because none of you

ever been there.

I don't deny the world that James Ray Edwards...

I don't deny the prevalence of racism on the streets,

in department precincts, and even, occasionally,

in the courts.

I know, however advanced our society may be,

it still consists of some people who judge others simply on the basis of

pigmentation.

It is inexcusable.

It's indefensible.

But in this case, it is also inapplicable.

Racism in no way factors into the evidence before you.

People.

James Ray Edwards was seen holding a pair of earrings worth $10 ,000.

the exact same pair that coincidentally turned up missing.

He was seen by a security guard secretly putting something into his pocket, and

when questioned, he made a mad dash for the door.

After he was grabbed, he fought.

He pried the guard's gun away, shot him, and left him paralyzed for

life.

James Ray Edwards.

is a thief.

He is a dangerous criminal who almost killed a man.

He is not guilty because of race. He is just plain guilty. And we convict

guilty people, ladies and gentlemen, no matter what color they are.

Thank you.

The pool's on a timer, so if you feel like a dip in the morning, it's all

for you, right about 75 degrees.

Oh, and I better warn you, the gardener comes Thursday, he starts blasting that

leaf blower pretty early.

That's not a problem.

I'll show you inside.

Are you sure you don't want me to drive you to the airport?

Don't worry about it. I'd be happy to. No, you've got to get back to work.

Besides, I can get some work done in the back of the limo.

Your basic kitchen.

Oh, I love it.

Lucia gets here about quarter of seven. She'll get you your breakfast.

She doesn't have to do that. I didn't know what you liked, so I just had her

stock the fridge.

Decor is not exactly my strong suit.

How long have you been here?

I'm embarrassed to tell you. I found it like this almost five years ago.

But I'm away all the time. I'm so busy.

I just haven't had a chance to get around to, you know.

It's a great home.

All it needs is new wallpaper and...

Some furniture.

What it needs is a woman's touch.

That would be the limo.

That's about it.

Any questions, ask Lucia, or you can call me at the hotel. You have the

right? Thank you, David.

Just enjoy it, okay?

Okay. And I'll see you when I get back.

What say you, Mr. Foreman?

In the matter of the people versus James Ray Edwards, we, the jury, find the

defendant not guilty.

Thank you, ladies and gentlemen, for faithfully discharging your duties.

Members of the jury, you are dismissed.

This court is in recess.

Congratulations.

You got away with it.

You cheated, huh?

I feel disappointed.

I lost a case I should have won. I was outperformed by another lawyer.

And a better lawyer?

I'll beat you next time.

Till then, Counselor.

Even if he is right and it is a racist system, which I don't believe, there's

still no justification for what this guy did.

Gracie, you're talking about a legal strategy. That's all.

That's all?

You expect just because Atkins is black, he's not allowed to use all the weapons

in his arsenal? I am not saying that, Michael.

To be honest with you, if I had this kid's case, I might have tried the same

defense. The difference is, I don't think that the jury would have bought it

from me.

Which is not to say that Atkins is wrong.

It's because we're all racist, right? No, that's not the point. The point is,

black racism is no better than white racism. No matter who espouses it, it is

every bit as hateful to me.

Yeah, well, there are certain feelings that we do not have access to.

You're not black.

So?

So we have no idea what that means.

We have the luxury of never having to think of ourselves as white Americans.

But Lee Atkins, James Ray Edwards...

There are always black Americans.

And that makes a difference.

I'm telling you, Leland, you try playing cards eight hours a day, you'll be

yanking off body parts, too.

Well, here's to a pretty good lawyer.

And a good future lawyer.

Here, here.

Cheers.

I gotta go empty out this hollow leg.

Order me another one, would you, sweetie?

Of course.

He's, uh, he's quite a guy.

Yes, he is.

Oh, I've had a chance to look at your resume.

As has my managing partner.

We agree.

It's outstanding.

Thank you.

Based on your record, as well as the sound judgment I've seen you exercise

the last few days, I'd like to offer you a clerkship.

I'm honored.

But, um, actually, I think I'd like to disqualify myself.

Why?

Because I've become socially interested in one of your firm's partners.

Really?

Based on what I've observed these last few days, I've become attracted to my

grandfather's lawyer.

What?

I would like to pursue a relationship with you on something other than a

professional basis.

Me? I know what you're thinking. Why?

What does he want? Well, it's not a job. I just turned one down.

Money? You drew up my trust fund, so you know it's not that.

What then?

Who knows?

You're an intelligent, compassionate, caring man.

And I'm a sucker for those qualities.

Jennifer, I must be 35 years older than you?

Are you suggesting that I'm either intellectually or emotionally immature?

No. Are you suggesting you couldn't be physically attracted to me?

Do you dismiss the idea that I could be physically attracted to you?

I don't exactly have a young man's body.

Sexy's up here, Leland.

May I call you Leland?

Oh, sure, sure.

Am I embarrassing you?

Yes.

Should I stop?

No.

It's just that...

I think our age difference would make this terribly inappropriate. I've seen

obstacles, but I also see the common denominator.

And I wouldn't be walking this plank if I didn't feel so strongly about it.

Besides, didn't I once hear you say it would be foolish to rule something out

before exploring the possibilities?

Sorry about the wait, folks.

Where's my drink?

Waiter!

You are right, Leland. You're white as a ghost.