L.A. Law (TV Series)

Hand Roll Express (1988)

Mark Schneider: Attorney

Quotes 

• Eli Goldman : The defense will likely say that the issue here is freedom of the press. But the evidence will demonstrate, it's not. Now we don't mean to suggest that food critics should not be allowed to review restaurants or to print their honest impressions. First Amendment guarantees that right. What it does not guarantee is the right to publish a malicious series of lies. That woman right over there, Lorna Landsberg, attacked this restaurant, vilified it's chef, with no regard for the truth whatsoever. This isn't Freedom of Speech. It's libel. It's slander. And they might want you to get up and wave the flag and sing a few bars of God Blessed America. That's fine, but what she did was not patriotic. It was reprehensible, and people got hurt... seriously hurt.

  [Followed by Victor Sifuentes who will make an opening statement] 

  Victor Sifuentes : You can believe him when he says that the food critic said some nasty things. You can believe him when he tells you that the restaurant has been losing money lately, but when he stands here and tells you that this case is not about Freedom of the Press, don't you dare swallow that. The facts will show that she published her opinion, and they're suing 'cause the words were too harsh. Now I don't care what kind of label they hang on it, they're chasing her because they don't like what she says. And that, Ladies and Gentlemen, goes to the very essence of the First Amendment. Believe me, people, you may think that a magazine restaurant review isn't all that important in the scheme of things. And if this case we're solely about the relative merits of their salad dressing and their beignet sauce, then I would be in complete agreeing with you. But it is not. It is about a right that is fundamental to the Constitution, to democracy, and to every single of you. They're actually asking you to punish the magazine for the expression of an opinion. My God, what a dangerous, dangerous request. Please don't even consider granting it.

• Eli Goldman : Mr. Bowers, would you tell the court your occupation?

  Geoffrey Bowers : I've been a professional food critic for 14 years.

  Eli Goldman : And in your capacity as such, have you had the opportunity to dine at Emile's?

  Geoffrey Bowers : Several times, and on each such occasion, I found both the food and the service beyond approach.

  Eli Goldman : Mm-hmm. You're familiar with Me. Landsberg's negative review of this restaurant?

  Geoffrey Bowers : I found it to be totally malicious and unprofessional.

  Eli Goldman : Do you see any basis at all for the aspersions cast in her article?

  Geoffrey Bowers : None whatsoever. The whole review was completely lacking in foundation. And as a fellow food critic, I was embarrassed.

  Eli Goldman : Thank you, sir. Nothing further.