L.A. Law (TV Series)

The Last Gasp (1990)

Joseph G. Medalis: Federal Judge Jackson

Quotes 

• Victor Sifuentes : And during the trial, evidence was introduced that my client had been a heavy user of methedrine for a period of more than 10 years.

  Federal Judge Jackson : I hope you're not going to ask us to consider that a mitigating factor.

  Victor Sifuentes : A recent doctoral thesis completed only last month on the long-term effects amphetamines makes it a mitigating factor, Your Honor.

  Federal Judge Emmanuel : Five different psychiatrists were called to the stand. Every one of them testified about the effects of long-term addiction to amphetamines.

  Victor Sifuentes : Yes, but none of them knew about the results of this research.

  Federal Judge Constance Gregg : With all due respect, counselor, this attempt seems a little desperate.

  Victor Sifuentes : Your Honor, my client is scheduled to die tomorrow. I think an evaluation of this new evidence is warranted before you comment on its legitimacy.

  Federal Judge Emmanuel : Let's do this without the attitude, counsel.

  Victor Sifuentes : I mean no disrespect to the court, but I grew up with Hector Rodriguez, I know him personally, which causes me to take this case personally.

  Federal Judge Emmanuel : Well, don't. Your relationship with him has no relevance here.

  Victor Sifuentes : My relationship with him puts me in a position to recognize his capacity for change and rehabilitation, which is directly relevant to death penalty cases, Your Honor.

  Federal Judge Constance Gregg : This is not an evidentiary hearing.

  Victor Sifuentes : I knew Hector Rodriguez on drug, I know him off drugs. He's off of them now, Your Honor.

  Federal Judge Jackson : You're not a character witness, Mr. Sifuentes.

  Victor Sifuentes : That's right, Your Honor, I am a lawyer. The three of you are judges. And we are all here to administer justice. Killing Hector Rodriguez doesn't accomplish that.

  Federal Judge Constance Gregg : In your objective opinion.

  Victor Sifuentes : I know him. None of you do. And I respectfully request that until you can be as sure as I am about all of this, please don't let this man be killed. Please. Thank you, Your Honors.

• Federal Judge Jackson : Mr. Keene.

  State Attorney Allard Keene : Your Honors--

  [Indistinct dialog] 

  State Attorney Allard Keene : There is absolutely no indication that this new evidence would have made any difference. The jury heard, ad nauseam, that Mr. Rodriguez was a user of methedrine.

  Federal Judge Constance Gregg : Uh, Mr. Keene, excuse me.

  [Judge Gregg takes off her glasses and speaks with Mr. Sifuentes] 

  Federal Judge Constance Gregg : Mr. Sifuentes, as compelling as your argument may have been, this study does not constitute substantial new evidence, and as we previously stated, your personal relationship with Hector Rodriguez is simply not relevant. Your application for an emergency stay is denied. You can try your luck with the Supreme Court, but we're not interfering with the execution.

  Victor Sifuentes : You haven't even seen the evidence yet, Your Honor, you don't know...

  Federal Judge Constance Gregg : Mr. Sifuentes, that's enough.

  Victor Sifuentes : No, it's not enough. Look, I don't care how damn busy your schedules are...

  Federal Judge Jackson : One more word, Counselor, and you're in contempt.

  Victor Sifuentes : He is off the drugs!

  [Victor turned behind Norman] 

  Victor Sifuentes : 8 years now he has been a model prisoner.

  Federal Judge Jackson : This court is adjourned.

  Reporter #1 : [Norman Patton help Victor to chill out. Crowds murmuring. Victor Sifuentes sits down. The people are leaving and the four reporters questioning Mr. Sifuentes]  Mr. Sifuentes, do you go to the Supreme Court now?

  Reporter #2 : Do you expect any intervention by the governor?

  Reporter #1 : Are you disappointed?

  [Reporters overlapping dialog]