L.A. Law (TV Series)
P.S. Your Shrink Is Dead (1992)
James Avery: Judge Michael Conover
Quotes
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A.D.A. Zoey Clemmons : And when you turn the $50,000 over to Mr. Ventresca, what did he say?
Alex DePalma : He said he was sure I'd be hearing from him again.
A.D.A. Zoey Clemmons : One last question, Mr. DePalma. Have you spoken with Judge Kelton since his arrest?
Alex DePalma : Yes, last night... he came to my apartment, he wanted to talk.
A.D.A. Zoey Clemmons : What did he say?
Alex DePalma : He mentioned some personal problems he'd been having, at which point I asked him to leave.
A.D.A. Zoey Clemmons : You then reported your meeting to the district attorney's office?
Alex DePalma : After consulting with my law firm, yes, I reported it to you.
A.D.A. Zoey Clemmons : Thank you, Mr. DePalma, I have nothing further.
Judge Michael Conover : You may step down.
[Judge Kelton's Defense Attorney Lou Jaeckel]
Lou Jaeckel : Your Honor, if this concludes the evidence against Judge Kelton I move for immediate dismissal of all charges.
D.A. Ruby Thomas : On what grounds?
Lou Jaeckel : Your Honor, this... so-called investigation relied on false representations to the court. To coerce an innocent man into breaking the law.
D.A. Ruby Thomas : There's no coercion here. Judge Kelton, through his agents, initiated contact with our undercover officer. We merely constructed a sting to expose the Judge's bribe taking.
Lou Jaeckel : They filed a phony indictment against a cop posing as a drug defendant. A cop who knowingly gave false testimony at his arraignment and prelim. That is a fraud on the court!
D.A. Ruby Thomas : If a crooked judge isn't a "fraud on the court," I don't know what is.
Judge Michael Conover : Maybe so, Miss Thomas, but what kind of example does it set when the District Attorney enforces the law by arguably breaking the law?
D.A. Ruby Thomas : Your Honor, there is no other way to get at a judge without creating this kind of scenario.
Judge Michael Conover : But the kind of behavior your office engaged in runs the risk of discrediting the judicial system. It breeds contempt for the law. However... the idea that a judge could sell his position and not be held accountable is even more reprehensible. Therefore, I deny Defense Counsel's motion and order that Judge Kelton stand trial for bribery. This court is adjourned.