L.A. Law (TV Series)

The Last Gasp (1990)

Hari Rhodes: Federal Judge Emmanuel

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.