Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (TV Series)

Tribunal (1994)

Fritz Weaver: Kovat

Photos 

Quotes 

• [O'Brien has been released] 

  Kovat : [stammering]  I... What happened? What's...?

  Odo : You won.

  Kovat : I... They'll kill me.

• Chief O'Brien : I've been told that I've already been charged, indicted, convicted and sentenced. What would I need with a lawyer?

  Kovat : Ah, Mr. O'Brien, if it sounds immodest of me, I apologize, but the role of public conservator is key to the productive functioning of our courts. I'm here to help you concede the wisdom of the state. To prepare you to accept the inevitable with equanimity.

• Kovat : Whatever you've done, whatever the charges against you, none of that really matters in the long run.

  Chief O'Brien : What does matter?

  Kovat : This trial is to demonstrate the futility of behavior contrary to good order. Everyone will find it most uplifting.

  Chief O'Brien : Not everyone.

• Chief O'Brien : Oh, I do have one question.

  Kovat : Yes, certainly.

  Chief O'Brien : Have you ever won a case?

  Kovat : Winning isn't everything.

• Kovat : Excuse me for asking. I'm merely trying to establish why a fine man like you could turn into a criminal. Perhaps you could help me?

  Chief O'Brien : Sorry, no, I can't help, because I'm no criminal.

  Kovat : [to Archon Makbar]  Well, I tried.

• Kovat : There is an old Cardassian expression: "Confession is good for the soul."

• Kovat : Once again, justice will be done. Our lives will be reaffirmed, safe and secure. Here on Cardassia, all crimes are solved, all criminals are punished, all endings are happy. Even the poorest of our subjects can walk the streets in the dead of night in perfect safety. You're only one man; but your conviction will be a salutary experience for millions.

• Kovat : We want justice, not chaos in this court. No, I will have no part of this!