Original subtitles

[telephone ringing]

- I'm sorry, Arnie. Becker: It's 9:15.

You're supposed to message in a supplementary declaration

to Judge Cramer by 9 o'clock.

Oh, god, I'll get it done right away.

No, no. I've already done it.

[door closes]

What's the problem?

I was robbed on the way to work...

[Roxanne sobbing]

in bright daylight.

I'm grounded by two kids.

For all I know they were on their way to school.

They had knives.

I think they would have probably stabbed me.

Alright, it's okay.

It's okay. Sorry.

It's not okay.

I don't really have to be scared to death

to come to work.

Kepler versus Henderson, Leland,

Brackman: 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 his slander,

and here's one against us for assault and battery.

Becker: 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 partner

who bills at it 300 now?

Because Mr. Kepler insists, that's why.

Oh, geese. He's suing everybody.

- What's his problem? - Who knows?

Moving along, do we know the whereabouts

of Victor Sifuentes?

Oh, yeah. I-- I spoke to him last night.

He's finishing up in Cabo San Lucas and

he'll be back here for a couple days to...

meet with the twins.

- The twins? They're here in LA? Michael: Yeah.

Abby: Do you want to explain to me, please,

this infantile sexual fascination

that men have with twins?

Michael: It's not infantile. It's...

well, it's just different. That's all.

Like, you know all about it?

Well, not all about, no.

[rattling]

But I once had a little summer fling

with a couple of twins.

Now get out of here.

I don't believe it.

Oh, my god.

Becker: Hello.

Ah, it's them.

Excuse me. I have a Brynn

and Holly Debeque looking for Victor.

Roxanne: They say it's very important

and they need a lawyer to--

- I'll go. - No, no.

- This is domestic stuff. - Ah.

Stewart!

Could be a tax problem.

Michael, since you were the one who spoke to Victor,

would you please tell the young ladies

when they'll be back and send them away?

Brackman: We've got an agenda to complete.

[indistinct chattering]

- Mickey! - Mickey!

[chuckles]

[laughing]

[theme music]

[music continues]

[music continues]

[music continues]

[upbeat music]

Rox, you got a visitor.

Some guy named David Meyer.

[telephone ringing]

[clank]

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 listened

instead of endlessly talking about myself,

I would've realized what kind of trouble you're in.

Uh, David, can I call you later?

This is-- isn't really a great time right now.

Yeah, it's just, but, 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?

- Ow! - Excuse me. I'm sorry.

Uh, actually, I have three of them.

It's-- 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 gotta beat 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 days,

why don't we just try it?

If you're 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.

[laughs]

- Vernon, welcome. - Leland.

You remember my granddaughter, Jennifer?

- Well, I most certainly do. - Hi.

Jennifer's a third year law student.

And if you don't mind I'd like her to sit in.

Well, fine.

Here, take a look at her resume.

- Oh! - She's brilliant, Leland.

- You should hire her. - Grandpa.

[chuckles] I'm sorry about this.

Oh, don't be, don't be.

I'd be glad to take a look at it.

First things first, Vernon...

let's talk about your case.

I'm ready.

I can settle this out right now for five thousand.

No way. That s.o.b's not getting a nickel. I did nothing wrong.

Well, you whacked him over the head with your leg.

After he slandered me.

McKenzie: It was an argument over card game, Vernon.

It wasn't slander and is just as frivolous

as all your other lawsuits.

I hired you to represent be in a trial, Leland,

and I'm damn well going to get the trial.

Yeah, now you hired me to render legal advice.

My advice is to stop running around,

picking fights with people and suing them.

McKenzie: This case is a loser, it should be settled.

I didn't back down on the shores of Normandy

when World War II took my leg.

Vernon: I didn't back down, when they told me

I need a college education to be a success.

I built a multi-million 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, Vernon.

Damn it! He called me a liar.

But 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'd be willing to try it, right?

Of course.

Jennifer: Okay, grandpa?

Alright.

But don't you offer a penny over 5,000 bucks, Leland.

Vernon: Not one bloody penny.

[telephone ringing]

Alright.

[vehicles passing]

[coughing]

Clarent: 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 suspicious.

Clarent: I immediately told Walter Briles,

our security guard to watch him.

So what happened then, Mrs. Clarent?

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 pocket,

and the man wouldn't let him.

Clarent: He was just really screaming.

And when he tried to leave, Walter grabbed him.

- What happened then? Clarent: 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?

Clarent: Yes. And then he shot him.

He shot Walter with his own gun and then ran away.

Walter was just lying on the floor.

People were screaming. We all thought he was dead.

It was awful.

Thank you, Mrs. Clarent.

No further questions.

You didn't actually see

my client taking earrings, did you?

[sighs] No, but--

You were suspicious, I know.

Why was he suspicious, ma'am?

Well, he was acting sort of funny.

You said he looks suspicious

the second he walked in, Mrs. Clarent.

Is your testimony, you reached this conclusion

after a one second observation of my client's behavior?

No, but, he-- he was awfully young.

He's 26 years old.

Clarent: 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.

Lee Atkins: Could you stand up, sir?

Sure.

Lee Atkins: How old are you, sir?

I'm twenty-five.

If this man would've walk in

the jewelry store, Mrs. Clarent,

would you find him suspicious?

No.

Lee Atkins: Thank you, sir.

So, I ask you again, Mrs. Clarent,

why was my client suspicious?

Well... his youth was a part of it.

And the way he was dressed.

Lee Atkins: How is he dressed, ma'am?

Well, I don't remember exactly what he wore,

but... he looked poor,

not the kind of person that would buy jewelry.

May I ask you to stand up again, sir?

Lee Atkins: 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?

Atkins: Come on, Mrs. Clarent.

We ruled out behavior, we ruled out clothing,

we ruled out age.

What's left, Mrs. Clarent?

We don't get many colored people in.

So you plant the seeds of suspicion

with a security guard...

because James Ray Edwards was black.

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

You just said, "watch him."

Lee Atkins: 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 is not?

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

He has knocked over three jewelry stores before,

which of course, the jury knows nothing about

because Atkins got it all suppressed.

- Sounds like he's good. - He is good.

He does not have to use race as a smokescreen.

Sounds like you ought to get yourself a black D.A.,

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'm going to beat his brains out,

fair and square.

Now what ever happen to this sweet,

docile, adoring girl

that I fell in love with?

I don't know, dearest.

Maybe you can look for her

at your high school reunion.

Were you ever a cheerleader?

Stop it.

[indistinct chattering]

[tires screeching]

[swerving]

Woofie.

[door opens]

- Wow! - Isn't it great?

Ooh. What, is Jimmy out of jail?

You're not going to believe it.

David Meyers letting me borrow it.

You little slut.

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.

Leland: Oh, Douglas.

Jennifer Kepler's resume.

- The old man's granddaughter? - Mm-hmm.

Went to UCLA,

top ten... law review!

Take a look, we'll talk.

[telephone ringing] She could be a good one.

Arnold Becker's office.

Heh. Hi, David.

How's your trip?

[telephone ringing]

Is it boring?

Yeah, oh, it's wonderful.

It's so much fun to drive.

A person could get really spoiled.

They're for you, Roxanne.

I signed for them.

Uh, David, could you hold on a minute?

"Roses are red, violets are blue.

I'm coming home tomorrow,

could I have lunch with you?" [chuckles]

Roxanne: David, they're beautiful.

Yeah, you shouldn't have. Heh.

Of course I'll have lunch with you tomorrow.

Yeah, great.

I'll see you then, okay?

Okay, bye.

[stuttering]

Benny: 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?

[flushing]

So, you and the twins,

you're going to 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.

Is it fantastic?

Well... eh, it was pretty good.

I'd have given anything to have had twins.

You're still young, Arnie. Who knows? Hmm.

Uh-uh.

My playing days are over.

Wait a minute.

You and the judge?

- Guilty as charged. - Ah...

Serious?

Well, let's put this way.

If her divorce were final, I'd marry her tomorrow.

Well, now that is serious.

Oh-- I-- look, 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. - Ah...

I've never been sexually jealous of another man,

ever till now.

You schnauzer.

[chuckling]

[door swings open]

No deal. They refused to settle.

Kepler: I knew it. Didn't I tell you

that slug would never go for it.

Did you also tell her how you sabotaged

the settlement conference by phoning the slug

an hour before the meeting?

Just tell how you swore at him--

- Grandpa? - And flaming him.

I called to initiate a dialogue.

He started to scream first.

Vernon, I'll represent you in this trial,

but this is the last one.

After this case, get yourself another lawyer.

Vernon: I'm telling you it was an absolute affront.

He called me a liar, a thief.

The abuse with unrelenting.

So it was then you remove your prosthetics?

But not to hit him with it. I've been taking the thing off

at meetings for 25 years.

Ever since I saw Kruschev silence that room

by pounding his shoe.

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

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

Exactly. It unnerves people.

I use it to my advantage.

In this case, I was simply trying to intimidate

Mr. Henderson a little.

McKenzie: What happened then?

Vernon: The abuse escalated into a...

a scathing personal attack.

He called me a criminal, said I was pathological.

I lost my temper and I struck him.

Not hard, but, I did.

I'm sorry it happened, but...

I really was provoked.

McKenzie: Thank you, Mr. Kepler. Nothing further.

Mr. Kepler, the bulk of this scathing personal attack

was the accusation that you cheated

at a game of cribbage, right?

Well, there's nothing insignificant

about being called a cheater. It was certain--

But the point is this was just an ordinary dispute

over silly card game until you suddenly began

to beat my client senseless with an acrylic foot.

- Objection. - Sustained.

And when my client tried to run for safety,

you threw it at him, didn't you?

Underhand.

Neil: Mr. Kepler, did my client ever touch you?

No, but--

Neil: Did he ever physically threaten you?

Vernon: No.

In fact, so this is a case where you responded to

verbal taunts with physical violence, isn't it?

- He deserved it! - Thank you, sir.

- Nothing further. - That man is--

Nothing further, sir. Thank you.

[male #1 coughing]

And then what did you do, Mr. Briles?

Briles: 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 seem to stop him.

Then I drew my weapon and tried to apprehend him.

He-- he really went nuts.

He started wrestling for the gun, and then...

[huffs and puffs]

All of a sudden, um...

Take your time, Mr. Briles.

[Mr. Briles sighs]

I...

next thing I know I heard this pop,

didn't even sound like a real gun.

And then I-- I felt this...

burning feel in my stomach...

and then I felt nothing at all.

Van Owen: Did you know what had happened?

I remember lying on floor and thinking,

"Oh, God, I-- how did I get here?"

And then thinking...

[sighs] "Oh God, I mu-- 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.

Van Owen: 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,

and I saw him slip his hand into his pocket.

I had a good idea.

A good idea?

But you could've been wrong, too?

Seven years I've stopped over 80 people, counselor,

and I was wrong three times.

And for those three mistakes,

what color skin do the suspects have?

What difference does that make?

Gee, I don't know. Humor me.

Lee Atkins: What color were they, sir?

I believe they were black.

Funny thing.

Lee Atkins: And to those 80 some odd detentions,

how many times did you have occasions 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 blacks. So naturally statistics--

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 shoplift.

Wrong again, sir.

The law provides that a person cannot be guilty

of shoplifting before he leaves the store.

And you jot 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. - Sustain.

Atkins: 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 real good and let him shoot me.

Well, who drew the weapon, sir?

- You or he? - I did because--

- Who grabbed who? - I grabbed--

- Who called who a nigger? - Objection.

Judge Cramer: Sustained. - I never did!

Atkins: Now you're under oath, Mr. Briles.

Isn't that truth that you pointed the barrel of your gun

on my client's head and said, "Freeze, nigger!

or I'll blow your black ass off!

- That's a complete lie! - Mr. Atkins.

Atkins: You victimized him, provoked him!

Who is the victim?

I'm spending the rest of my life in a wheelchair

because of that damn...

"Damn" what, Mr. Briles? "Damn" what?

Atkins: You're missing the noun. - Objection.

What were you thinking? Coon, spade, jiggaboo, jungle bunny.

- Your honor. - Mr. Atkins.

Go ahead, Mr. Briles. Finish the slur.

Mr. Atkins, that will be enough!

I have nothing further.

[upbeat music]

Henderson: He always has to make the rules,

always has to be in charge,

never anybody challenges him, it was a connection.

Well, you called him a cheater, didn't you?

I asked to double check his card counts.

Now he inferred the allegation, not me.

- That's a lie. - Vernon.

Mr. Kepler, be quiet.

McKenzie: Isn't it true you began to shout at this man?

Henderson: Of course I yelled at him.

We're in a push country club.

Pe-- people in suits and ties,

and all of a sudden he's waving around this

fiberglass foot and a dirty sock.

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

Oh, he disparaged himself.

Your client is an embedded man who can't go along with people.

- Oh-ho. "Embedded?" - Motion to strike.

Henderson: He destroyed every friendship he ever had.

Mr. Henderson...

You and I never had a real friendship.

- You used me! - Objection.

- You needed me to-- to-- - Needed you?

I associated with you out of pity!

Judge McGrath : Mr. Henderson. - Shut up!

Vernon.

Henderson: This man is estranged from

everyone who's never met him.

Judge McGrath: Objection!

Henderson: Who fix the whole world of odds around here.

Neil: Objection!

- Oh! - Damn you!

McKenzie: Hey! Vernon!

Judge McGrath: What the hell is going on?

I'll kill you! I'll kill you! I'll kill you!

McKenzie: For god's sake, Vernon!

That's it. Lawsuit number two.

Assault number two!

Your honor, I want that foot impounded.

- You got to be kidding! - Give me back my leg!

You want to how scuffed up it is?

You can tell he throws it all the time.

Give me that!

I demand to 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!

Look, this is inflammatory

and this in prejudicial.

That is legitimate evidence!

I said [thumping] shut up!

Counsel...

in my chambers, now!

[calm piano music]

[indistinct chattering]

Roxanne: Jonathan. - Roxanne.

Anyway, we're going to go down

to the convention and see how it plays.

If we can interest nurserymen in a garden tool catalog

then maybe you just can't sell stuff through mail orders.

- How long would you be gone? - Ten days.

I ought to go down Friday and set up

the booths over the weekend.

By the way, you wouldn't want to house sit, would you?

I know it's short notice.

You can say no, if you want to.

David--

Sit around the pool for a couple of days,

fire up the old Jacuzzi.

Roxanne: David, I can't.

Could be just what the doctor ordered.

I said no.

Just a suggestion, what's a 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,

I wouldn't be interested in you.

And that's the problem.

[soft music]

Look, I don't think

that I can be interested in you

the way I think you're interested in me.

Roxanne: I'm just not looking for a relationship right now.

And even if you were, wouldn't be with me, right?

No.

I don't want you to get the wrong idea

and then get hurt.

I see.

Roxanne: I'm 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 of it?

Oh, David.

[sighing] 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.

Neil: 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 the 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 little

dispute over a card game.

McKenzie: 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 lawsuit to trial in southern California.

That means, legitimate victims,

people who have suffered real tragedies,

sit and 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 wanna 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

with cannot otherwise be resolved.

McKenzie: 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.

Well, you gave me no choice.

And that was the only strategy left to me.

We could've 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.

Sorry, if I embarrassed you.

But the best verdict we could possibly get

will be a finding of no damages for either party.

And my argument was designed to get that verdict.

You've had it. I'll sue you for defamation,

for malpractice, for--

And I'll sue you right back.

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 find new adversaries to hate.

I'll tell him about a man who abuses the court process

to satisfy his own sense of vindictiveness.

Go on, sue me, Vernon!

It'll be the last shot you ever take.

You're done, Leland. I'll get me another...

- 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 sue somebody else.

Okay?

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

Sure.

[deep sigh] Come on, grandpa.

Let's go home.

[door opens]

[indistinct chatter]

Edwards: 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.

Edwards: 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?

But 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.

Atkins: You have any basis for that opinion, James?

I had a dead cousin with a big hole

in is back, how is that for basis?

Objection.

Goes to state of mind, judge.

This witness has first-hand 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 this white security guard,

just as he has a legitimate distrust

for these proceedings.

He was jumped by an overzealous guard.

Van Owen: Objection! - And now he's being...

Prosecuted by an overzealous attorney.

Objection.

This woman was wounded a year ago

by a black gang-member, your honor.

And in since prosecuted black defendants

more aggressively than whites.

Hey! [voice quivering] move for a immediate mistrial!

This trial is completely biased.

Mr. Atkins, you will be quiet right now.

I ask for a mistrial and for sanctions against counsel

as well as contempt.

Quiet! No mistrial.

Judge Cramer: 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.

Judge Cramer: We are adjourned.

[door opens]

[door closes]

What the hell was that?

That was me representing my client.

Calling me a racist goes beyond

representing your client, Mr. Atkins.

Get used 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-- on a jury's collective white guilt.

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

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

Van Owen: After all, you was 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 as 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.

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 Miss Van Owen?

So am I.

[dramatic music]

[female #1 coughing]

Have you reached a verdict?

supervisor: Yes, we have your honor.

On question number one,

in the matter of Vernon Kepler versus Steven Henderson

for the cause of action of slander,

we find in favor of the defendant Steven Henderson.

For question two, in the matter

of Steven Henderson verses Vernon Kepler

for the cause of action of civil assault and battery,

we find in favor of the defendant

on the cross-complaint Vernon Kepler.

Thank you very much, ladies and gentlemen.

Court is adjourned.

- What did I say? - Right. Just take it easy.

What happened?

You both lose.

Neither one of you gets a dime.

This is an equitable way. Alright.

Henderson: What do you mean?

Robertson: We knew the answer that again just--

Leland...

I'm sorry.

It's alright, Vernon.

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.

Ah, you're still significant, my friend.

I'm dropping the other lawsuits.

Lord knows what the hell I'll do though.

Well, why don't you take some of the money

you're losing at 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'd be my pleasure, and my treat.

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

[chuckling]

Atkins: They never found any earrings on my client,

nor did anybody actually see him take them.

The only thing seen people...

was a struggle between him and Walter Briles,

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 hangs.

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 predicated

on the store clerk's paranoia.

His testimony revealed a history

of harassing black people

and he mistakenly accused my client

of a crime he didn't commit.

So why did James Ray Edwards act guilty...

by fighting back?

After all, if you're truly innocent,

the wheels of justice will spin him through exoneration.

This is a world where law enforces 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.

Atkins: 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!

[stenographer typing]

And feared for his very life.

And if you can't comprehend that fear...

then its simply because none of you have ever been there.

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

Van Owen: 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 maybe,

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 ten thousand dollars,

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.

Van Owen: Thank you.

David: The pool's on a timer,

so if you feel like a dip in the morning

it's all ready 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 got to get back to work.

Besides, they need some work done in back of the limo.

Your basic kitchen.

Oh, I love it.

Lucia gets here about quarter of seven.

She'll get you a breakfast. [cabinet closing]

She doesn't have to do that.

I didn't know what you like, so

I just had her stack the fridge.

Décor 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.

[limo honking]

That would be the limo.

[chuckling]

[trunk opens]

David: That's about it. Uh, any questions,

ask Lucia or you can call me at the hotel.

You have the number, right?

Thank you, David.

Just enjoy it, okay?

Okay.

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

[limo a door shuts]

[driving away]

[rustling]

What say you, Mr. Foreman?

Mr. Foreman: In the matter of the people versus

James Ray Edwards,

we the jury find the defendant...

not guilty.

Judge Cramer: Thank you, ladies and gentlemen,

for faithfully discharging your duties.

Now, the jury, you are dismissed.

supervisor: This court is in recess.

Oh, baby.

Congratulations. You got away with it.

Feel cheated, huh?

I feel disappointed.

I lost a case I should've won.

I was outperformed by another lawyer.

And the better lawyer?

I'll beat you next time.

Till then, counselor.

Till then.

[patting]

Even if he is right and it is a racist system,

which I don't believe,

that's still no justification for what this guy did.

Gracey, you're talking about a legal strategy.

- That's all. - That's all?

Look, 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 have this kid's case,

I might have tried the same defense.

The difference is I don't think

that the jury would've brought it from me

which is not to say that Atkins is wrong.

It's because we're all racists, right?

Well, 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.

And we have a luxury of

never having to think of ourselves as white Americans.

But Lee Atkins and James Ray Edwards...

they are always black Americans,

and that makes a difference.

[indistinct chattering]

[soft music]

[upbeat music]

[chuckles] I'm telling you, Leland,

you try playing cards eight hours a day,

you'll be yanking all body parts, too.

[laughing]

Well, here's to a pretty good lawyer

and a good future lawyer.

- Here, here. - Cheers.

[instrumental music]

I got to go empty out this hollow leg.

Order me another one. Would you, sweetie?

Of course.

[chuckles]

He's-- he's quite a guy.

[chuckling] 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 over the last few days,

I'd like to offer you a clerkship.

I'm honored. [chuckles]

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 have become attracted to my grandfather's lawyer.

[music continues]

What?

I would like to pursue a relationship with you

on something other than a professional basis.

Me?

[chuckles] I know what you're thinking.

Why? What does she want?

Well, it's not a job. I just turned one down.

Jennifer: Money? You drew up my trust funds,

so you know it's not that.

What then? [sighs]

Who knows?

You're an intelligent compassionate caring man.

[music continues]

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?

Oh, no.

Are you suggesting you couldn't

be physically attracted to me?

No.

Do you dismiss the idea

that I could be physically attracted to you?

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

Sex is up here, Leland.

May I call you Leland?

Oh, sure, sure.

Am I embarrassing you?

Yes.

Should I stop?

No.

McKenzie: I-- it's just that...

I think our age difference

would make this terribly inappropriate--

I've seen the obstacles,

but I also see the common denominators.

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.

Vernon: Where is my drink? Waiter!

You alright, Leland? You're white as a ghost.

[slow music]

[theme music]