Original subtitles

RJ: Rick Dees in the morning, KISS FM.

Woman on radio: I, I'm the time ferret.

It's twelve hours past 7, 7:12.

[indistinct]

Man 1: Get off of that..

[indistinct radio chatter]

[siren blaring]

Rick: Here's your traffic update, Commander Chuck

Stream in Yellow Thunder, good morning, Commander.

Man 2: I tell you, Rick, it's really a mess down there

in the north and southbound harbor freeway,

east and westbound Santa Monica and also the inbound Hollywood.

It's your basic gridlock,

very typical for post-Holiday traffic.

Rick: And, Rachel, what did you do over the Labor day weekend?

Rachel: Well, you know, Rick, how much I hate to drive.

So I spent all weekend, all three days,

lying by my pool, catching some rays in the nude.

[zipper screeching]

[laughing on radio]

[engine revving]

Rick: Phone keeps ringing. Let me get it.

Yeah, Rick Dees, here.

Jennifer: Hello, Rick. Rick: Yes?

Jennifer: This is Jennifer, the boss's secretary.

Rick: Yes, Jennifer. How are you?

Jennifer: I'm fine. I'm fine, thank you.

But the boss just wanted to tell you something.

Rick: Okay.

Jennifer: When you get off the air, he wants to kill you.

[horn honking]

Can't be there. Okay.

Staff meeting will probably go past one.

So I pushed your deposition with Margolis to Thursday.

Oh, and don't forget your 2 o'clock with Lydia Graham.

- Who? Oh, yes. - Friend of Julia Lippincott?

You're supposed to look over her settlement agreement.

And remember they're picking up your car for detailing today.

Great smell.

God, I hate these buildings, air conditioning goes down,

place smells like the inside of a garbage disposal.

McKenzie, Brackman, Chaney and Kuzak. Arnold Becker.

- Get me that spray stuff. - One moment, Mrs. Rice.

- Let me see if he's available. - Available, available.

7:30 Tuesday morning available.

Margaret, how was the long weekend?

Well, I'd have to go back over the agreement.

But he's got him for holiday weekends.

Maybe it was malicious, Margaret.

But getting an injunction?

I know it's the first day of school.

No, I don't blame you for worrying.

Absolutely. Absolutely.

He should have had him home by 6:00.

But, but Margaret, Margaret, to go to court...

Mar-- Margaret. Margaret.

Look, if that's what you want...

McKenzie, Brackman, Chaney and...

- Arnie: Mar-- Margaret. - Oh, good morning, Mrs. Cox.

Arnie: Let me talk to his lawyer first. If that doesn't work...

Let me see if he's available.

Yes, we'll slap him with an injunction.

Margaret: You can slap him across the face, for all I care.

Just do it!

- Shirley Cox. - Morning, Shirley.

Shirley: Where the hell have you been? I'm been trying to...

Shirley, come on. Give me a break.

- It's 7:30 a.m. Shirley: Why aren't you at home?

Shirley, the reason I'm not at my house is because I'm here.

No, I am not trying to avoid you.

I... Shirley, yes, I know he's a fat brown loaf.

But even a fat brown loaf deserves a sex life.

I agree, not in front of your nine-year-old son.

S-- Shirley, I'm...

I'm-- I'm-- I'm gonna put you on hold a minute, sweetheart.

Shirley: Don't you put me on hold! Don't do it!

Arnie: Dick, this is not smart!

Oh, don't Dick me!

Not after that settlement you rammed down my throat!

This is a settlement that you agreed to.

Oh, a settlement I was blackmailed into!

Oh, you took away everything I hold dear, Becker.

My house, my kids, my coin collection!

I had to sell my boat!

Wha-- wha-- what about the-- the Ferrari?

I-- I-- I-- specifically left it out of the community property

because I-- I know how much you love that car.

And, Dick, we both know that Louise doesn't know

a dip stick from a-- from a garter belt!

You excluded it because it's leased to..

[cocking gun]

[chuckles]

Dick, don't...

don't do this, you're gonna regret it.

If I spend 20 years in jail with my pants down

around my ankles, I will not regret it!

[gunshot]

Do you wanna call the cops, huh?

You know where to find me?

I'm calling the police.

No, don't.

[sighs]

Starter gun.

Not about him. About the smell.

What smell?

Roxanne: Mr. Chaney.

I didn't actually touch him.

But I'm pretty sure he's dead.

If he is, I got dibs on his office.

[theme music]

[music continues]

[music continues]

Man 3: Guy's face was stuck on the plate like crazy glue.

Nice place to spend the weekend.

Just button this up and get him outta here.

[woman crying]

Excuse me. Carmen says he's been dead over 48 hours.

Could have been a embolism, maybe his heart.

Woman 1: Yeah. Woman 2: He was young.

Woman 1: Fifty-nine years-old?

- It's tragic, isn't it? - What?

One minute you're hip deep in the tax code.

And the next... muerta.

- Who? - Norm Chaney.

One of the senior partners.

Kind of makes you want to stop and sniff the daisies.

Are you alright?

Would you just find Mr. Brackman for me?

[indistinct chattering]

[crying]

Woman 1: Oh, I really am worried about...

She's been with me for 30 years.

This is great.

Have you got any idea how you wanna handle the Lewis audit?

I haven't thought about that yet.

Now what time was it you got here in the morning?

- 7:30. - I wanna get him downtown.

- Sam? - All yours.

Well, I could use a hand. He's stiff as a board.

We're gonna have to take him out, chair and all.

Do it.

I'm gonna have to get a written statement from you.

[indistinct chattering]

- Hi. - What's going on?

Mr. Chaney's dead.

Oh, my God.

I found him.

- Are you Ms. Buckner? - Yes, sir.

Your predecessor was fired for tardiness.

I'm sorry. The police kept us in the lobby.

In my office. I'll explain your duties.

Man 4: You know, you're supposed to do my real deal.

I don't know what I'm gonna do now.

Woman 3: And the malpractice insurance premium went up...

- Hmm. - Strange brew.

Be still my heart.

- It's John Pregerson. - I'll call him.

- His son's been arrested again. - Is Kuzak in yet?

- No. - Fine.

Guy's so stiff you could put him in a museum.

Look at this. His feet are like frozen.

Man 5: Watch it. We're coming out right through here now.

Man 6: Make way. Man 7: I don't know.

Man 7: Was the guy Jewish?

Man 8: Can we have a little reverence. Seriously.

[indistinct chatter]

Man 9: Turn him! Turn him! No, the other way!

Come on, watch him. You're gonna lose him! Catch him!

Man 10: Carol! Man 11: Oh.

Woman 4: Look at that! Oh!

- It's okay. Man 12: How you doing?

Roxanne: Mr. Chaney's office? No, I'm sorry.

He's not available right now.

[phone ringing]

Sergeant, the little hand is on the nine.

And the big hand is on the 12.

I gotta be downtown like in 30 minutes.

Soon as your client's through with breakfast.

Meantime, why don't you let the officer pat you down?

What's the matter? You guys don't get enough at home?

I'm getting tired of your mouth, Jose.

Whoa! You show me some respect.

The name is Sifuentes, Victor Sifuentes!

I don't care if you're freakin' name

is Pancho freakin' Villa!

You don't see your client without you get searched!

Now assume the freakin' position!

You lay a hand on me and I'm gonna kick your fat butt.

That's it. You are outta here!

- Let go my... - Tell him East L.A.

Later this afternoon.

[speaking in foreign language]

You're gonna be hearing more about this, McKlosky!

I can't freakin' wait!

Michael Kuzak, attorney representing Justin Pregerson.

I'd like to talk to the investigating officer.

Which that would be Detective Tuttle.

Yeah, I'll get right up to it.

Lester, to his friends.

- What's all the excitement? - Memo out of Division.

We gotta search all attorneys before they go in.

Lawyer brought a gun into South Central.

His client tried to shoot his way out.

Speaking of which, your client

is a real citizen, counselor.

This time we got him on rape, assault,

oral cop, sodomy.

Not to mention that he's violated

his probation in six different ways.

Presumption of innocence, Lester.

The victim ID'd the kid's vehicle

and picked him and two accomplices out of lineup.

Let's see his daddy buy him outta this one.

[door opens]

[indistinct chatter]

This is totally bogus.

Says here she was beaten, raped.

And when her wig fell off during the assault,

she was tossed into a dumpster.

She ID'd you, she ID'd your running mates.

She ID'd your car.

Hey, I hook up with these guys in a bar.

We have a couple of drinks, bar closes.

We go cruisin'.

We stop at one of these all-night places

to get a couple of six-packs.

She's in there. She follows me out.

She says she'd do the three of us for $50.

We figure what the hell?

So we go around the corner in the alley.

It wasn't exactly "Romeo and Juliet."

But it wasn't rape either.

The victim alleges she begged you stop.

Said she was sick.

Oh, yeah, she was beggin', alright.

It wasn't to stop.

But it also says here that she was admitted

to Hollywood Presbyterian for

severe cuts and bruises to her body.

Hey, look! There's a lot of crazy people out there.

Maybe the next guy uses her for a punching bag.

So she goes to the cops. She remembers my car.

She figures she can work something out.

Did you talk to my father yet?

For $1,000, she'll fold like a deck chair.

Doubtful.

I'm told she's got acute leukemia.

Well, that's too bad.

Look, when can I get outta here?

- Not 'til they set bail. Justin: When's that?

Arraignment tomorrow.

Oh. No, no, no, no. Forget that.

Find Judge Sorenson. He knows my father.

He'll sign a writ today.

I'll see what I can do.

Hey, listen.

My father's worth a million bucks to your firm.

You do that.

Right.

Is that true about the cancer?

Yeah.

Acute leukemia.

Is that contagious?

I hardly know what to say regarding

the untimely death of Norman Chaney,

good friend and respected colleague.

Except we'll greatly miss him.

Plus which, his passing leaves a serious void

in an extremely lucrative area in our practice.

We can discuss that aspect later, Douglas.

Fine.

And what about the Lewis tax audit?

Do you think either George Lewis or the IRS are going to

say we can discuss that later?

I said this is not the time!

In any event, I've spent the last 45 minutes

going through Norman's personal papers

and found his last instructions.

There will be a simple cremation

with a memorial service preceding at which those of you

desiring may pay your last respects.

Now if you all don't mind...

I'll excuse myself.

I'll start a sign-up list for you...

Woman 5: Well, thank you.

This is tongue, honey.

You trying to tell me something?

The minutes will reflect Mr. Kuzak

arrived late for the meeting.

Yeah. Well, Mr. Kuzak was having such a good time

chatting up Justin Pregerson at the Hollywood jail

about he and his running mates raped

and beat up a defenseless leukemia victim

that he couldn't bear to pull himself away.

- He confessed? - Oh, sure, full of remorse.

You promised me a body.

I want it now.

Bring us a list of possible candidates and we'll review it.

Mike?

Ah, excuse me, Mr. Brackman, but how would that

impact on the summer law clerks?

Not to mention the current associates.

Mr. Pollack, you may rest assured that this firm

has a commitment to hire at least one full-time associate

in addition to Mr. Kuzak's criminal lawyer

and any possible replacement in our Tax Department.

Mr. Taylor, associate review will proceed

at the appropriate time.

Now, as the hour is growing late,

let us laser through our summary of pending cases.

Status unchanged on the divestiture.

Discovery motion on Roner versus Gradinger.

Pending trial Merton versus Merton.

A new matter, Leon Kroener,

a medical corporation, versus Celia Robinson.

A doctor is suing our client for a $750 bill.

A collection matter?

Abby: It's a little more complicated than that.

For the last nine months, her insurance company's

been giving her the runaround and that's why

the bill's not paid.

Miss Perkins, undoubtedly you've seen

those ads on television?

Lawyers in polyester suits soliciting for clients?

Yes, sir.

Douglas: Those lawyers handle $750 collection cases.

McKenzie, Brackman, Chaney, et al does not handle

seven hundred and fifty dollar collection cases.

Douglas, will you come off it? This is a referral

from Morley Sapperstein.

I asked Abby to help me with it.

As your time is usually billed at $135 an hour, Miss Kelsey,

how much exactly did you intend to charge this client

for whatever heroics you might perform on this $750 matter?

What I intend is to charge her nothing.

Is it your belief then that we are running

a welfare state here?

Absolutely not.

It is my belief that this firm is an example

of the capitalist system at its very finest.

Management getting fat off the sweat

and blood of the workers.

Take me, for example.

You bill my time at $135 an hour, 1,600 hours a year

for a total of $216,000 into the bulging coffers of this firm.

Of that amount, I, who generated the income, get $52,800.

You're damn straight this is not a welfare state, Douglas.

And if I wanna make a couple of phone calls

to an insurance company to keep some poor working woman

from getting screwed over by the system, then I will do it!

Well...

due to the tragedy we've all suffered today,

it would appear that everyone is unusually testy,

fractious and argumentative.

Accordingly, this meeting is hereby adjourned.

I'd like to remind everyone of the annual firm dinner

which will be held a week from Friday.

That's the 20th, at Mr. McKenzie's home.

Partners, associates and summer law clerks invited.

Along with a husband, wife or suitable escort.

What? No secretaries?

That's what we have firm picnics for, Mr. Kuzak.

Oh.

- Arnie, Lydia Graham's here. - Okay. Give me a minute.

My husband and I have already worked out

all the terms of our settlement.

- Here's your tea. - Thank you.

But Julia wouldn't leave me alone

until I agreed to let you look at it.

Well, Julia can be very persuasive.

I just don't want it to get into an ugly,

pitched battle with name-calling and incriminations.

I respect that feeling entirely.

Lydia: You know, Barry and I may not have wanted

to be married to each other, but we're still parents

to our children.

We're still civilized adults.

I won't get down in the dirt and grub over who gets the dishes.

I wish all my clients were as reasonable as you are.

I'll tell you what. As long as you're here,

let me jot down a few notes.

Okay.

Now when did you and your husband actually separate?

The exact date, if you can remember.

He moved out of the house on December 21st.

And was this at your suggestion?

- No, not really. Arnie: Oh, so it was his idea.

Well, we discussed it, that we weren't terribly happy.

So, four days before Christmas,

he really picks his spots, doesn't he?

He walks out on you.

It wasn't like that.

Is he living with her now?

- With whom? - The other woman.

Barry did not leave me for another woman.

That's not what this is all about.

Men are creatures of habit and comfort, Lydia.

In nine years, I've never once seen a man initiate a divorce

and cer-- certainly not four days before Christmas

unless he had another woman to replace the one he was leaving.

Well, my husband and I are not statistics. We're individuals.

Arnie: Really, I-- I am sorry. And maybe I'm a little sensitive

to this subject right now.

Because not more than...

Oh, well, say, maybe six hours ago,

this woman comes in here.

And she's aiming this gun at me.

A-- a nice woman, totally so nice that she refused

to let me, as she put it, drag it through the mud.

So now she's found out that her husband has another woman.

And they're living up in Bel Air

while my client's over in Van Nuys.

And she aimed this gun at me because, and I quote,

"You should have forced me to face the facts", she said.

You're deliberately trying to turn this into something ugly.

No. What I'm deliberately trying to do

is protect your rights under the law.

Let me be blunt.

For your husband, divorce is a fiscal inconvenience.

But for you, this could be the most important

financial decision that you'll ever make in your life.

And I personally, as-- as-- well as professionally,

don't think that such a decision

should be made... casually, do you?

I suppose not.

What I'm gonna do, friendship to Julia,

admiration for your principles,

let me take a look at this agreement.

No cost, of course. No obligation to you.

On Thursday, I'd like to take you to lunch.

Give you my thoughts on the matter.

At that point, the choice is completely yours.

You can take it or you can leave it.

But at least you'll be making an informed decision.

Does that sound fair?

Well, yes, I guess.

- Thank you. - Great.

Well, Roxanne will give you a call.

And we'll confirm lunch for next Thursday.

Oh, do you like L'Orangerie?

- It's fine. - Well, great.

Well, it was a great pleasure meeting you.

I'll see you on Thursday? Okay, bye-bye.

- Oh. - Oh, yeah. Thanks.

[solemn music]

[knocking on door]

Hi. Come in.

Szechuan. You want some?

No, no.

I'm gonna go home now unless you have something pressing.

No. I didn't realize it was so late.

Stop being an attorney. Go home.

Be a wife, be a mother.

- You sound like my husband. - Sorry.

You're right. It's none of my business.

Sylvia Robinson came in today with her file.

Very nice lady, incredible guts.

After her divorce, she had two kids to support.

She went to work as a maid until she could save

enough money to start a catering business.

She did Morley Sapperstein's son's bar mitzvah.

I know. He told me. Creole Cajun food.

At a bar mitzvah?

[both chuckle]

Anyway, she's got copies of everything.

Even a renewal statement, and a bill

the insurance company sent her two weeks ago.

- Sounds like a winner for us. Abby: Let's hope so.

Abby: I don't think it's helping her migraines any

having that doctor bill hanging over her head.

Migraines?

It's why she went to the doctor in the first place.

He wanted to run tests, and then when the insurance company

refused to pay, she couldn't go back.

She's got an appointment tomorrow with

Morley Sapperstein's personal physician.

What did the company say?

It was like talking to that chair.

Our records indicate that our insured, Mr. Robinson,

had his ex-wife, Mrs. Robinson,

removed from his policy at the time of their divorce.

I told him, they got two separate policies

as part of the divorce settlement.

I told them she has a copy of it.

He said they'll have to look into it.

Did you ask them if she's not covered why they

sent her a renewal statement?

Abby: He said they'll have to look into it.

Send him a threatening letter instead.

Copy his superiors. Use buzz words like bad faith.

That ought to get their attention.

- I already did. - Good.

Ann: Look, Abigail.

It really isn't any of my business.

But if you need to talk...

I was married once myself.

About 50 years ago.

Thanks.

It'll be okay.

As soon as he gets a job...

and quits drinking.

And starts...

Never mind.

Uh, tell me the truth.

Do you think there's any chance I'll be asked

to stay on here as an associate?

It's not up to me. I'm not a voting partner.

If you were?

You're a good lawyer, and a very hard worker.

But I'm not a super star like Pollack.

Or a sex bomb like Lisa.

[both chuckle softly]

I'm sorry.

I'm being a jerk.

Um...

Goodnight.

Thanks again.

[pensive music]

[indistinct chatter]

People versus Pregerson, Garcia and Dollar.

Michael Kuzak, attorney representing Justin Pregerson.

Waive reading of rights and complaint?

Michael: So waived.

Sidney: How does your client plead?

Not guilty.

Nicholas Klein representing defendants

Garcia and Dollar, Your Honor.

At this time, due to a possible conflict of interest,

the Public Defender's office would ask

to be relieved of representation

with respect to defendant Dollar.

Sidney: Do you have funds to hire an attorney, Mr. Dollar?

I'm broke, judge.

An attorney will be appointed for Mr. Dollar.

Let me see the list.

I see Mr. Cavanaugh in the courtroom.

Would you be interested in a court

appointment on this matter?

Yes, Your Honor. I think I can squeeze that in.

Sidney: Any motions while Mr. Cavanaugh

acquaints himself with this matter?

Yes, Your Honor. At this time, I would ask the defendant Garcia

be released on his own recognizance.

Your Honor, I'm sorry. But Mr. Klein is once again

insulting the intelligence of this court.

May I point out Mr. Garcia's five previous arrests,

two felony priors.

And now an extremely aggravated assault rape.

Let me point out that Mr. Garcia has always

faithfully appeared for all previous court appearances.

In addition to which he is sole support of an aged mother,

Your Honor, who relies on him for weekly transportation

to and from the clinic.

Usually in a stolen car, according to his rap sheet.

Leslie: My office will agree to Mr. Garcia's release

from custody on the condition that he be released

into the care and custody of Mr. Klein.

Take him home with you, Mr. Public Defender,

you think he's such a sweet guy.

Counsel?

Approach the bench.

Off the record, Miss Aaron, Mr. Klein.

I would not normally be so presumptuous as to delve

into the personal lives of my court personnel.

But as this courtroom is beginning to resemble

a daytime soap opera, I feel I'm well within my rights

in inquiring.

You two hot for each other or what?

Nick: I took her out three times, Your Honor.

Out? I made dinner twice.

The third time, you brought in a pizza.

You're mad 'cause I said I'd call.

I'm mad because I lowered my standards.

Yeah, along with your skirt.

Uh, on the record, at this time I would ask

that Mr. Dollar's bail in this matter be

reduced to $1,000, Your Honor?

- The man has four priors. Ralph: Two as a juvenile.

The D.A.'s office is unilaterally opposed

to any bail reduction with respect to either

defendant Garcia or defendant Dollar.

Bail to remain set at the amount of $25,000

on both defendants.

Bail to stand on defendant Pregerson.

Preliminary hearing set for September 6 in Division 35.

Off the record, I need a potty break.

We will have a 20-minute recess during which time

I suggest that the PD and the DA clean up their act.

Man 13: The court will be in recess for 20 minutes.

When are you guys free to schmooze?

This afternoon is fine for me.

How about Clooney's at 4 o'clock?

- Yeah. - I'm outta here.

Don't forget to wear a suit to the prelims.

Lester?

Leslie, who's good in the PD's office?

Legally or sexual?

Legal. I'm looking to take on a body.

How about mine?

You're more body than I can handle.

Besides, I think I need someone of the defense persuasion.

Someone who could love a guy like Pregerson?

Or at least not lose his lunch.

You're right. Not me.

A number one fast charger

in the PD's office right now

is a guy named Victor Sifuentes.

Sifuentes? You mean, the guy with the earring?

- Yeah, real smart. - I don't know.

If it's the same guy, I saw him strut his stuff

at the Hollywood jail.

You asked my opinion. Check it out for yourself.

He's in Division 50.

Counselor?

Your Honor, Victor Sifuentes of the Public Defender's

office representing Carlos Hermosillo.

- Waive reading? - So waived.

Richard: How does your client plead?

Mr. Hermosillo's unable to enter a plea at this time.

Richard: And why is that, Mr. Sifuentes?

Mr. Hermosillo has been denied his

constitutional right to an attorney.

I thought that you were his attorney, Mr. Sifuentes.

This is true, Your Honor. But I was denied access to my client

by the police department.

Under what circumstances?

I went to the Hollywood station to interview my client

at such time as Sergeant McKlosky

of the LAPD made rude and insulting remarks

to me regarding my ethnicity.

When I took umbrage at said remarks,

the sergeant refused to let me speak to my client.

And then went so far as to bodily

remove me from the station.

So you never conferred with Mr. Hermosillo

regarding his defense?

No, Your Honor.

I would say a continuance would be appropriate at this time.

- No objection. Victor: Excuse me, Your Honor.

But my client is in custody.

Any such continuance would deny him

his constitutional right to a timely

arraignment and speedy trial.

Accordingly, I would move that the case against him

be dismissed due to the state's outrageous conduct

in denying him his constitutional

right to representation.

Mr. Sifuentes can talk to him now, Your Honor, in the hall.

Such a slipshod representation

would be tantamount to no representation.

I would have to agree with Mr. Sifuentes.

If the relationship between attorney and client

has been abrogated due to outrageous police conduct,

then this case should be dismissed.

A big if, Your Honor.

Excuse me, Your Honor.

Mr. Kuzak?

I happened to be present at the Hollywood Division

at the time Mr. Sifuentes was being shown the door.

Would you corroborate counsel's description

of the events in question?

So far as I was able to observe, Your Honor.

Richard: How far was that, Mr. Kuzak?

As far as the door, Your Honor.

- Case dismissed. - But, Your Honor!

If the D.A.'s office sees fit, they are, of course,

free to re-file charges as double jeopardy

is not attached.

We're in recess.

Victor: Thank you, Your Honor.

Man 14: Court will be in recess 'til 2 p.m.

They'll process you out of here. And then you can go home.

Thank you, man.

[speaking in foreign language]

Victor: You stay away from the cuda.

- Stuff will kill you, man. - Absolutely. Gracias.

Hi, I'm Michael Kuzak.

I'm with McKenzie, Brackman, Chaney, etc., etc.

Yeah, I know. I've seen you around before.

Thank you very much for the testimonial, counselor.

Very fancy footwork.

Yeah, well, the guy is the hype.

He's got a wife, four kids to support.

Yeah, the police, they set him up on a sale.

What the hell good is it gonna do anyone

to send him to the joint?

Well, they'll probably re-file a case.

Yeah. And they probably won't find him.

He's going away to a drug program now in Arizona.

Are you free for lunch some time?

What's the agenda?

We'd like to talk to you about a job.

Got a job.

We'd still like to have lunch with you.

You pay?

I'll call your office.

If we're gonna deal this thing, it's gonna have

to be all three of them.

Speaking for myself, I'm disinclined to negotiate.

I see no case here. D.A.'s sucking wind.

But unshakeable ID by the world's

most sympathetic victim is not sucking wind.

Unless you argue consent, dying woman out

for a good time before they plant her in the ground?

It's moments like these that make me proud to be

a member of such a noble fraternity.

Aren't we fastidious?

Can we stop jerking ourselves around here?

And go one step at a time?

We know she's got cancer. What we don't know is the prognosis.

So let's find out.

The way I figure, with a little bit of luck

and half a dozen continuances,

she'll either quit or die before we even have

to worry about a trial.

Hey, I know it sounds a little cold.

But this is not the Red Cross here.

So unless you got a better idea...

Nope.

[water running]

Excuse me.

You know the doctor she went to?

Who? Celia Robinson.

He wants to put her in the hospital

immediately for neurological testing.

But they won't let her in because when they call her

insurance company, they said she wasn't covered.

- What happened when you called? - They put me on hold.

Let's go.

Oh, I'm sorry.

- Elizabeth? - Hmm?

Did you check with the clerk in 123?

I'm... I'm... I'm sorry. I didn't.

- Would you? Please? - Sure.

Make sure the discovery motions were filed.

And tell Pollack that I need points

and authorities on Womack.

Michael, where do we stand with Justin Pregerson?

On my way to the prelim even as we speak.

His father's all over my call sheet.

What should I tell him?

You tell him that his punk son

deserves to go away for ten years.

Ah...

[door closes]

He's one of our more important clients.

What would you have us do? Refer him to another firm?

Don't patronize me, Leland.

Just get me a body so I don't have to deal

personally with this kind of crap.

Have you got someone in mind?

- As a matter of fact, yes. - Well, set up lunch.

I already did. It's on your calendar, day after tomorrow.

[phone ringing]

Attorneys Ann Kelsey and Abigail Perkins to see Lester Mestman.

Wait a minute. Do you have an appointment?

- Absolutely not. Lester: Right, Charlie.

[chuckles] Let me get back to you.

She barged in without an appointment.

At this moment, my client, Celia Robinson,

is at St. Anthony's Hospital

trying to check in for a cat scan.

Only they won't let her because your insurance company

is still refusing to admit that she's got coverage.

So don't talk to me about appointments.

My dear miss...

I am not your dear miss anything.

And you had better be praying that

she doesn't have a brain tumor.

Because if she does, and if this tumor was exacerbated

by the systematic bad faith of your company,

then you'd better be prepared to write a check

with a lot of zeroes behind it.

I'll have to discuss this matter with my superiors.

You have had nine months to discuss

this with your superiors.

If she does have a tumor, every minute you stall,

it's getting bigger and more dangerous.

And that means more zeroes on the check.

Am I coming through? Pick up the phone, Mr. Mestman.

St. Anthony's Hospital.

Are we ready to proceed, gentlemen?

People are, Your Honor.

Defendant's counsel?

Uh...

it would appear, Your Honor, Mr. Kuzak

has been unavoidably detained.

Under the circumstances, move

for continuance until such time as...

- Michael Kuzak, Your Honor. - Tick-tock, counselor.

I apologize for the delay.

Alice: Any reason I shouldn't hold you in contempt?

Approach the bench, Your Honor?

That better be a note from your mother.

[all chuckling]

It's a citation, Your Honor.

I was doing 35, tops 40, when this cop who doesn't

even shave yet pulls me over for an unsafe lane change.

I explained to him that I'm late for court.

And I further explained that I...

Let me take a look at that.

Well, that's alright, Your Honor. I wouldn't presume

to ask this court for any favors.

And this court wouldn't presume to offer any.

Truthfully, Your Honor, I think that we've already

consumed enough of the court's time with my personal concerns.

I...

For the record, Mr. Kuzak has just handed me

a white piece of paper which appears to be

in fact neither a laundry list nor even his pocket copy

of the Code of Ethics.

But rather a legitimate LAPD traffic citation.

People may proceed.

I call Miss Adrianne Moore, Your Honor.

[courtroom murmuring]

One last question, Miss Moore.

Did Officer Feeblecorn take you to an emergency hospital?

Yes, Hollywood Presbyterian.

Did she wait for you while you were being examined?

Yes, and then she drove me home.

Thank you, Miss Moore.

I have no further questions.

Mr. Cavanaugh? Cross?

Miss Moore...

now on direct examination,

you testified that on the date in question,

you purchased a soft drink.

Yes.

At a convenience store.

And some eggs and milk.

Ralph: And it was approximately what time that you went out

to get this soft drink?

Adrianne: 2.

- In the morning? - Yes.

Do you normally get a craving at 2

in the morning for sugary soft drinks?

Adrianne: Sometimes.

Especially when you've been drinking heavily?

Mouth gets all wooly?

- Objection! - I wasn't drinking.

- Withdraw the objection. - Were you smoking dope?

Objection! Irrelevant.

Your Honor, this would be directly relevant

as to the issue of consent.

Overruled.

Had you been smoking a green leafy substance

commonly referred to as marijuana that evening?

Yes, a little.

You see, the chemotherapy makes me nauseated.

And the marijuana helps...

Objection. Nonresponsive. I would ask that

everything after the witness answered yes,

she had been smoking marijuana, be stricken from the record.

Objection sustained.

Reporter will strike everything after the word yes.

I don't understand. Why can't I explain?

Ralph: Miss Moore, please just answer the questions

as they're asked of you.

Now you were alone when this alleged incident occurred?

Yes.

Ralph: And had you been alone all evening?

Adrianne: Yes, I was home watching TV.

Alone all night smoking dope by yourself and watching TV.

Malcolm: Objection! Asked and answered.

Sustained. Move on, please.

Ralph: Thank you. But just to set the scene,

there you are having a joint or two.

You're watching the tube. And maybe feeling a little lonely.

I'm used to being alone.

Ralph: But sometimes it's nice to have a little human contact.

So you get the idea to go to the all-night market

to see a human face.

Maybe have someone to talk to.

I didn't talk to anyone. I bought my food and I left.

And then these animals...

Objection! Nonresponsive. Motion to strike.

Alice: Sustained.

Miss Moore, how is your health?

I have leukemia.

Ralph: Well, I'm very sorry, Miss Moore.

And I hope you forgive my insensitivity

when I ask what the prognosis for recovery is.

Lousy.

I'm going to die.

Have the doctors told you when?

Objection! Mr. Cavanaugh seems to be on a fishing expedition.

Your Honor, I ask the court's indulgence

and latitude as this is an issue of some delicacy.

Miss Moore, no one regrets more than I any pain

this line of questioning may cause you.

I'll, I'll allow you a little more room, counselor.

But get on with it, please.

Ralph: Thank you.

How much longer have you got, Miss Moore?

Less than six months.

Well, I would imagine that there must be

a-- a great many things you've always wanted to do

but might not get a chance to do now.

I suppose.

Ralph: And I know that, if it were me, I would try

to cram all of these things into the short time I had left.

Even if these things weren't the kind of things

I might have done before.

I don't understand.

Well, like recreational drugs, marijuana--

I told you that was for the side effects

of the chemotherapy.

Right. You pull up to a convenience store

a little high on weed, you see

three good-looking young men in a hot car.

You got to be kidding!

Gather ye rosebuds while ye may, Miss Moore.

What does that mean?

Ralph: A literary illusion that suggests that,

if you only had six months to live,

you might as well have a good time before you go.

This is sick!

Isn't it true that you solicited my client

to have sex with you?

Isn't it true that, when my client expressed

some initial reluctance, you went up to him

and pressed against him and fondled him?

No! Your Honor, please!

Ralph: That you said, and I quote,

"I've never taken on three guys.

I want you to do it to me and I want you to do it rough"?

- You despicable bastard! - Miss Moore?

Your Honor, I ask the witness to be admonished.

- This is perversion! Ralph: Your Honor, please!

Adrianne: I want to know who is on trial here!

Any further outbursts, Miss Moore,

and I'll hold you in contempt.

- And the feeling is mutual! Alice: Sit down.

Your Honor, under the circumstances, I ask

we move for continuance until such time--

Until such time as what? I die?

Alice: I'm warning you, Miss Moore.

Is that the tactic? Accuse me?

Wear me down?

Move continuances until, until I quit or die?

- I warn you... - I warn you!

Adrianne: This door swings both ways!

If I can't get justice here,

I'll get a gun and I'll do it myself.

That's enough. You're in contempt.

Your Honor, she's threatening us!

You think I won't?

What have I got to lose?

I'll be dead before you could ever get me to trial!

Bailiff, escort Miss Moore to the basement holding facility

until such time as she wishes to apologize to this court.

[sobbing]

The court is adjourned.

Mr. Kuzak, a moment of your time in chambers.

Man 15: This court is adjourned.

[sobbing]

[somber music]

[door opens]

Mr. Kuzak, are you aware of the fact that you have

a substantial number of outstanding warrants?

Well, my recollection, Your Honor, is we're talking

a couple of parking tickets at most.

We're talking $4200 worth of citations

over a two-year period.

Forty-two hundred?!

Oh, that's gotta be a mistake.

Didn't Officer Marinella run you through the computer?

Well, as I was already late and having identified

myself as a former Deputy D.A.,

he was kind enough to write me up

without the usual formalities.

Mr. Kuzak, you bring fresh meaning to the word scofflaw.

Bailiff, take Mr. Kuzak into custody.

Your Honor, hold on a minute. It's...

Forty-two hundred dollars, counselor. Put up or shut up.

Who's got $4200?

Well, you've got a phone call.

I suggest you use it to find out.

Well, Your Honor, with all due respect,

don't you think you're overreacting just a little bit?

Take him into custody, bailiff.

A couple of lousy parking tickets.

Life's a bitch, counselor.

[buzzer buzzing]

[buzzer buzzing]

[door rattling]

[door clanking]

[buzzer buzzing]

Miss Moore?

I'm Michael Kuzak.

I'm Justin Pregerson's attorney.

Look, I don't suppose you care, but...

I'm deeply sorry about what happened in court.

That's very big of you.

I could tell you were morally outraged.

Well, what I may have been

doesn't change the fact that my client's still got a right to

the best legal representation he can obtain.

What about my rights?

I was raped and beaten

and thrown into a dumpster.

But for all that, I was the one accused up there.

Not that piece of garbage you're representing.

I represent the system as well as the client, Miss Moore.

I may not always believe in the client.

But I have to believe in the system.

What about me?

What am I supposed to believe in?

Man 16: Judge will see you now, ma'am.

Well, Mr. Kuzak...

I'm going back up there and I'm apologizing,

and withdrawing my complaint.

I'm afraid it's not all that easy.

I'm not spending the last six months of my life

in a courtroom.

I been raped once.

I'm not gonna let that happen again.

For whatever it's worth,

and it's a purely personal observation...

if you were to go out and get a gun and blow them away...

I wouldn't lose any sleep over it.

That's the difference between us, Mr. Kuzak.

I would.

[outro music]

[music continues]