And Justice For All - English Transcript

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And to the republic, for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty- - and justice for all. Take your wig off. Take your wig off. Turn and face the wall. Turn and face the wall. Face the wall. All right, that's it. - Are you a natural blonde? - Chicken Delight! He delivers! Don't put that in here. She ain't my type. That's my wife you're talking about. She's here for our conjugal visit. Come, let daddy show you what he's got in his pants for you. She's got the same thing under her skirt that you've got in your pants. Come on, you guys, we've got a lady here. Have you got any concealed weapons they didn't find up front? - You've got something concealed... - But it ain't no weapon. Let's see you strip just to make sure. A star is born! Kirkland, watch your hands. Come on, Kirkland. Let's go. Can you make a phone call for me? Where the hell is he? What do you mean, he's in jail? My lawyer's in jail? Contempt of court? He's too *** emotional. Get him. I've had a car accident. I haven't left the scene of the accident, I'm in it! Can't you hear the confusion? Do you hear this noise? They're trying to get me out of the car. I'm trapped because some prick... Could you move back, so we can get you out? Can't you see I'm on the phone? Keep it down! I'm trying... Goddammit! Tell Arthur to get over here. I'm on Eager Street. Where are we? Eager Street... Just tell him to get over here. You can't miss it. I understand you took a swing at Judge Fleming. Is that true? Kiley, why not do something about that kid? Put him someplace else. They're just having some fun with him, that's all. - Fun? - Sometimes the boys get bored. For you, it's still new and exciting. Sign here. Why don't you ease up on the judge? He's your kind of guy, huh? Yeah, Fleming's a tough man. Hates *** almost as much as we do. Good morning, Mr Kirkland. Carl! Come on. Here. Are you all right? Sue the son of a *** who did this for every cent he's got. Every nickel. - Carl, are you all right? - Disappear. - Miss, why don't you... - She's not hurt. Nothing to report. - Wait in the car. - There's no need for the wife to know. After all I was your first client, Arthur. You broke cherry on me. Not the time to go down memory lane. Let's just get you to the hospital. You're the best, Arthur. Get every nickel and put him away. - I'll see he gets the death penalty. - Death is okay too. - You stink. Did somebody *** on you? - Get him out of here. Let nobody use my car phone. I'm in the hospital and some jerk calls Rome. You son of a ***! You lunatic! Carl, you're gonna have a stroke. You'll have to deal with my lawyer. - You'll die for this! He's the best! - It's not even my car. Be calm, Carl. Be calm. - I have a terrible headache. - You'll be all right. I'll call you. - What about this guy here? - He says he's all right. It's a friend's car. I just borrowed it for the night. - How am I gonna tell him? - You should go to the hospital. - I'm okay, but the car... - Let me take you to the hospital. My horoscope said it would be a great day and look what happened. ***! It's not going to be that way this time. We should request a postponement. That would put us into January. Look at me when I'm talking to you! - The DA is willing to go two years. - That's a lot of *** time, man. - I ain't kissing nobody's ***. - I'm not asking you to. Just give it a little pat. Arthur. Arthur. Excuse me. Hold it, Wenke. - Where are you going? - The bathroom. Go home and change. You look like ***. What would you say if I walked into court looking like that? What would you say? I don't wanna keep harping on this, - - but the Ethics Committee is checking up on everyone. You've gotta watch it. Last week two lawyers were disbarred on minor charges. You get thrown in jail on contempt of court. Fleming got me crazy. Push him on that McCullaugh thing and there will be big trouble. McCullaugh's innocent and Fleming won't look at the evidence. - What do you want me to do? - You don't threaten a judge! Will you do me a personal favour? Put this on. I got Fleming first thing this morning. Give him my love. The tie, I like it. It's Fleming's favourite colour. All rise. Criminal Court of Baltimore City is now in session. The Honourable Henry T. Fleming presiding. Be seated. If Your Honour please, for the first matter - - the State would call case number 57746898, State versus Robert Wenke. Mr Wenke, may I ask you to step forward, please. How many times have you been before the bench, Mr Wenke? Three times, Your Honour. Once for assault, once for arson, once for grand larceny. And now indecent exposure. What's the matter? Can't you decide what you wanna be when you grow up? Anything to say? Yes, Your Honour. I'm a loyal Colts fan. You are also a revolting, despicable *** of the earth - - who should be squashed like a cockroach. I object. My client has not been found guilty yet. You're absolutely right, Counsellor. It's now 9:40. At 9:41 he will be guilty. I find the defendant guilty. Sentence to be imposed later. I would like Mr Wenke's bail to be continued. - Bail is revoked. - Thank you. The State will now call number 57746899. That was very good work. Very nice. Colts fan. I need Colts? Terrific, Wenke. Then you do know? The big white house? With the fat columns out in front on Greenway Avenue? Guess how much that house is worth. - I don't know. - Take a guess. Seven million. 243,000 dollars. Now that's some nut I've got, huh? I just need some more accident cases. I ought to throw banana peels around. Recess is almost over, and I only have this lottery case... Did you know there's a guy eating something off your table? The guy you're prosecuting. He's eating the lottery tickets. Holy ***! Gibson, get the hell away! - Don't swallow, you son of a ***! - That's my client! Don't swallow! Gentlemen, need I remind you you are in a court of law? Now let's proceed in an orderly fashion. What the hell are you doing? Does the defence have anything to add? Your Honour... I guess I should request a recess - - so my client could get something to eat. He's obviously very hungry. My client, McCullaugh. Could I see him for a minute? Sure, Mr Kirkland. Stick your hand out. Mr Kirkland, what happened? I just want to reaffirm what I said yesterday. We'll get you out. I know you're trying, but this is crazy, you know? I know it. You said you had evidence that proves I'm innocent. - Yes, you're innocent. - And Judge Fleming agrees, right? If everyone agrees I'm innocent, why am I going back to jail? There's enough proof, but the court won't accept it. - Why not? - Well, there's a law... It says that evidence must be submitted within a certain time period. And ours came in three days late. What difference does that make? Even if it came in three years late. They've got the proof they need. They should let me go. The judge sends me to jail and he knows I'm innocent. What's going on? It's gonna take more time. Any other judge would let you out. But Fleming goes by the letter of the law. Jeff, I promise I'll get you out. I promise. He promises to get you out. Don't worry. Judge Fleming. I want to apologise for my behaviour in the courtroom the other day. I don't want to hear it. I don't want to hear anything. That's understandable, sir. But I thought maybe we could discuss this McCullaugh case. You and I, man to man. Off the record. If you try to make a deal with me, you might wind up back in jail. A deal? No, sir. I'm not trying to make a deal. I understand your strict enforcement of the statute. But my client's constitutional rights are being denied. - My client is innocent. - I don't give a *** about your client. Hi, Sherry. - Hi, Mr Kirkland. - Mrs Tate, how are you? He'll be right with you. - Boy, do you look tired. - Coffee, please. Mrs Tate wants to talk. Her son broke his leg again. Neighbour's driveway. And Bricker wants to know if your client will settle for 60,000 dollars. Coffee, please. You have three new clients today. One's a whiplash, one's divorce. And the third has to do with amnesia. I don't know what it is. What are you doing? - No foam. - That's because it's deodorant. Don't forget to visit your grandfather today. - And be in court at two fifteen. - Coffee, please. Do you want some coffee? Sherry, stay with me today, dear. I need you today. Arthur. Arthur, come here. Hi, Judge. Are we gonna get together this weekend? I don't know. You're the only one I've been dating these days. You promised you'd go flying with me. I gotta tell you... I'm not too fond of anything that takes place off the ground. I don't know. I've got a thing about heights. - This is flying. It's different. - How high up do you go? How high do you wanna go? Come on, it'll be good for you. - Besides, it gets lonesome up there. - Why don't you take your wife? The last thing we did together was get married. Come on, Arthur. You promised me. - All right. What time? - Sunday morning. Ten o'clock. Do you always carry that thing with you? There's law and there's order. And that's order. Do you like egg rolls? - Yeah. - Good. Come on, let's get out of here. Easy, easy, easy. You got it. You son of a gun. So, it's another week already? Another week. I don't know where time goes. No problems, Grandpa? Everything all right? See this one? Wonderful woman. I went to her husband's funeral. Fine man. Gitel? Hello, Sam. How are you? This is my grandson, Arthur. - I'm pleased to meet you. - Good to meet you. - He goes to law school. - I'm a lawyer. Take my advice. Don't be in a hurry. He's a nice-looking boy. - My grandson. - Yes... - Good to meet you. - Pleased to have met you too. So, it's been a week. Yeah, it's been a week. Last week we went for a ride in the car. Remember? That's a good machine. Always give signals when you turn. Right. Left. So... Are you a good lawyer? Are you honest? Well, I don't know. Being honest doesn't have much to do with being a lawyer, Grandpa. If you're not honest, you've got nothing. Your parents should see you now. To hell with them. They never cared before. Why should they care now? - They're still your parents. - No. You raised me. You're the one who put me through law school. You're a wonderful man, Grandpa. But your son, he's a ***. He was born with colic. Sam, I love you. Look at you. Filled out, like a man. Soon you'll look like a lawyer and you'll be a lawyer. I am a lawyer, Sam. I've been a lawyer for twelve years. So, it's another week already. - Do you know Jules Stouffer? - Yes, I do. - He was a client of yours, right? - Yes. Wasn't he originally represented by Alvin Burton? - Yes, that is correct. - Why did he change representation? I handled him on an assault charge. That's my area, not Burton's. Did Stouffer express dissatisfaction with Mr Burton? Not at all. Burton's an excellent lawyer. Are you going after him? - We're not going after anyone. - Do you know David Crebbs? We're reviewing certain accusations to determine if they're true - - and to clean our own house. So please do not overdramatize this. It's not the McCarthy hearings. Oh, that's a relief. So you're not gonna ask me: "Are you now or have you ever been a lawyer?" - That wasn't amusing, Mr Kirkland. - Do you know David Crebbs? No, it wasn't, Miss...? Packer. This isn't amusing. It is ridiculous. Yes, I know David Crebbs. Have you ever seen... Is this mike working? - Do you know David Crebbs? - Why are we using microphones? - Why don't we just talk to each other? - This is a hearing, Mr Kirkland. Yes. It's a hearing. - Do you know Jules Stouffer? - We've already asked that. Are we through with Stouffer? How about Alvin Burton? - Do you know David Crebbs? - I've already asked that. - What did he say? - He said yes. Have you ever seen him intoxicated in court? David Crebbs has a speech impediment. Check your records. It's in there. As answer to your question: No, he doesn't drink. Not at all. At this point I would just like to say - - that what this committee is doing in theory is highly commendable. However, in practice it sucks. And I am not going to answer any more questions. What do you think we're trying to do in there? - Want a drink? - No. Whatever you may think, we're not conducting some kind of witch-hunt. What are you doing then? You might not be aware of this, - - but there's a lot of corruption that nobody's doing anything about. - Do you think you're doing something? - Yes, I do. That committee is a very dangerous farce. Whoa, Mr Kirkland. I spend fourteen hours a day on that committee. I don't do it to get a few good laughs. You could spend the rest of your life. You'll wind up a cop. Maybe ruining the careers of a few guys who wiped their *** the wrong way. Other than that, nothing. So what do you think? About what? About me. What do you think? Think I'm kind of interesting? Somebody you'd like to have a drink with? I think that you're crazy. What about Daniel's? Say, around seven thirty? I don't think so. Eight? Eight thirty. All right. I'm Arthur Kirkland. You wanted to see me? Yeah. My man, Bambi, he recommended you real highly. He said, Arthur Kirkland was the man to see. Okay, Ralph, tell me what happened. It says here you were involved in a robbery. No, sir. What happened is, it was time to come down on a ***. It's like smoking. They've got to have a *** every twenty minutes. What happened is... I was in an alley, petting my dog, when they came down on me. It states here the dog was attacking you - - when you were seen in the alley. Well, my dog, he gets like that. It also states that the dog belonged to a Mrs B. Jackson. He sure looked like my dog. He had that little... It also states that when asked what you were doing you replied: "I don't know nothing about that taxi cab." That's true. I don't. - How did you know there was one? - Mr Kirkland, there's always one. Ralph, tell me the truth or get another lawyer. I don't need the ***. Okay. I was in that cab, but I didn't rob it. It was my cousin's idea. I didn't know nothing. He's crazy. - What's your cousin's name? - I don't know. I mean... - He lives over on Hillsdale. - You don't know your cousin's name? Who do you think you're talking to? Do you think I'm an idiot? I read a report, I can tell if somebody's bullshitting me. Give me straight answers or get another lawyer. I don't have time to listen to some jive-*** put-me-on. Okay. It wasn't my idea, but I did know what was coming down. See me and my cousin Royce... Royce Shavers. He figures that since I am the way I am... Mr Kirkland, I can look really fine sometimes. I'm sure you can. Royce figures we can be a couple. You know, a man and a woman couple. A cab driver will pick up a couple faster than he will two *** men. We got into a cab on Garrison Boulevard. And we asked him to take us down to the harbour like we were tourists. I can't go to jail, man. I just can't do it. I can't go to that place. Please, Mr Kirkland, you've got to help me. Please... Okay, I'll help you, Ralph. Just don't lie to me. - Okay? - Yes, sir. - Don't lie to me, okay? - Yes, sir. Thank you. Thanks for bringing me home, Gail. Oh, God. You really take renting an unfurnished apartment literally, don't you? It doesn't have to stay this way. What happened? Did your wife take you in the divorce settlement? She had a better lawyer. Do you get to see your kids much? They're in California. Phone calls, holidays. Put the food out. I'll get the plates. I guess I was lucky. We never had any kids. - How long were you married? - Three years. - Were you in love? - No... I was in love with the law. You know what I mean? You got a serving spoon? Serving spoon. Thank you. So, do you eat out a lot? - Yeah. Do you? - Yeah. The committee works just about every night. How did you feel when you walked out on the committee? - Did you feel daggers in your back? - That's a very dangerous group. Jesus, here we go... Arthur, why do you feel it's dangerous? You con the public to think you're doing something, and you're not. We are doing something. Protecting the public from corrupt lawyers. You're skimming the surface. You're not going after real power. Wow, that's scary. What real power, Arthur? - You don't know? - No. Tell me. Well, now we know they're definitely safe. What makes you think you know so *** much? - I don't know so much. - No, tell me. What makes you the great voice of authority? I don't pretend to be a voice of authority. I just don't think you know what you're doing. Oh, I see. This is nice, don't you think? No, I don't find this particularly nice, Arthur. I'm angry again, you know. I don't like being angry. - It's not very pleasant. - Why do you criticize me for what I do? I'm not criticizing you. You're taking it too personally. The committee is doing something about what's going on. We're not sitting in jail at nights because of contempt of court. - Do you know what that's about? - Yeah. You punched Judge Fleming. - You know why? - I have no idea. Tell me. I have a client who's in jail because of a faulty tail light. - And I can't get him out. - What do you mean? Do you want to hear a story about our wonderful judicial system? Sure. A guy named Jeff McCullaugh is going down a highway one night. And the cops stop him because his tail light isn't working. They run a make on him. The computer kicks back - - that a Jeff McCullaugh is wanted for assault with a deadly weapon. - Was it the same guy? - No. But he fits the description, so they arrest him. Did he tell them they had the wrong person? He tried. He told the public defender. But he was too busy. He never bothered to check. - Are you serious? - Wait, it gets better. While Jeff is in jail, a guard is stabbed - - and the knife is planted in Jeffs cell. And Jeff is trialled on a new charge: Assaulting a guard with a deadly weapon. And a trial date is set. Six months from the time he was first picked up. I'll make a long story short. Six months go by - - and a very shaky, very crazy Jeff McCullaugh goes to court. The public defender tells Jeff that he can get him off - - if he pleads guilty. He'll make a deal with the judge. So he pleads guilty even though he's innocent. Right. The deal was made with a Judge Callahan. The day of the trial Judge Callahan cannot be found. Fleming is in his place. Fleming doesn't know about the deal. Jeff pleads guilty. Fleming sentences Jeff to five years in prison. So, one little guy has already spent - - a year and a half in jail because his lights didn't work. I've spent the last year gathering evidence to prove he's innocent. And I prove it. I bring it all into Fleming's court - - and he throws it out. - Why? - It came in three days late. Holy ***! That's incredible. It's not incredible. It's Fleming. No, Arthur. That's the law. You can't fault Fleming legally. Because he was going by the letter of the law. - Are you kidding? - No, I'm not. You talk to me like that you won't get me into bed, dear. Yes, I will. I've had tougher cases. - You're so easy. - You knew that, huh? That's why you went out with me. Finish your egg roll. Arthur! Arthur! You'll never guess who the police just grabbed. - Take a guess. - Warren, please... This may sound crazy, but Judge Fleming was just taken away. - What do you mean, taken away? - Arrested. Come on. I'm telling you. They just arrested your very own favourite judge. - Judge Fleming? - Judge Fleming. What's the joke, Warren? There's a joke connected to this. There is no joke. I don't know what it's about. They're sitting on this very hard. I can't get anything from anybody. Warren... Let me know the... - Judge, we're ready to reconvene. - I'll be right there. Congratulations, Counsel. Thank you very much. What did I do? Come here, come here. Judge Fleming. I was right. He was arrested this morning and booked. - We know that. - You'll never guess what for. - Take a guess. - What for? ***. Fleming was booked on a ***. - I can't stand it. - Isn't that the best? - ***! - I don't believe it. That's not the best. Oh, no. I'm gonna tell you the punchline. You're gonna love this. His people just called. Mr Fleming would like you to represent him. Me? Me? Why me? I hate the son of a ***. I'm going crazy! Mr Kirkland, as you undoubtedly know, - - Judge Fleming has been accused, falsely I might add, - - of sexually assaulting a young lady. He wants you to represent him. Excuse me. - What, may I ask, is so funny? - I just think it's... It's just crazy. I don't think it's so crazy. Two lawyers up in the third-floor men's room think differently. Right now one of them is laughing so hard he's choking in the sink. I'm aware that I'm not particularly well liked. But the fact is that I'm innocent and I will have that proven in court. Mr Bates and I feel, in this particular situation, - - you would be perfect to handle my defence. What is this? The two of you got together and came up with that one. That's a beauty. The real question is: Why? Why me, fellas? We need you for political reasons. Political reasons? What kind? This case will create a lot of media coverage. The animosity between you and the judge is well known. But we can use that. Why else defend a man you dislike so much - - unless he was truly innocent? And he is, you know. Remarkable. Remarkable. But personally I don't give a ***. You smug son of a ***! Henry! Henry! I've never committed a crime in my life. Judge, if you're innocent, truly innocent, - - you don't need me. Get yourself another lawyer. What are you laughing at? I really hate to tell you this, but - - you remind me a little of my ex-husband. In what way? Because, during sex, he would always say: "Go! Go!" "Go"? I don't say "go". - I heard you say "go". - No, I don't say "go". "Go" is dumb. I say "God". - Are you sure? - I'm sure. I could have sworn I heard a couple of go's. That was "God". I said "Ooooh..." It sounded like "go". And then I said "God". "Ooooh, God". Oh, God... Yeah? Who is it? Arthur, it's Jay! - Jay? - What the hell...? It's my partner. Jay. Jay? All right, all right. What do you say? Hell of a night tonight. - It's two o'clock in the morning. - I know. The bars just closed. So, what are you doing here? - I came to ask you a question. - Oh, yeah? What? - I'm a good lawyer, right? - Right. - I got Earl Soames off, right? - What are you talking about? I got Earl Soames... - Yeah, you got him off. - I didn'tjust get him off. I got him off on ***. And we all know Mr Soames did it. Right, he did it. He was guilty. We all know that. Brilliant defence. Brilliant. - Brilliant defence, Arthur. - Right. Brilliant. Brilliant! Brilliant! I got him off on a technicality. I know, Jay. Right. Good. - Mr Soames did it again. - What do you mean? At twelve o'clock tonight he killed two kids. Oh, Jesus. He killed kids, you see. Oh, Jay... - I gotta take a ***. - Jay... My partner. - There's women in here. - Hello. Arthur, what's going on? Come on, it won't hurt you. Just duck. You've got about three feet. For Christ's sake, get in. How are you feeling? Ready to go? I thought you flew planes. With wings. I've been flying helicopters ever since Korea. Get in. Button up. Close the door. I gotta tell you, Judge. I'm not too happy about this. Just relax, Arthur. Could we maybe just go out a bit? Kind ofjust go and hover? We'll do any *** thing you want. Now hold on to your cojones. This is what it's all about! Pretty, isn't it? I don't want to talk. What? I don't want to talk. Did you ever skydive? - Did you ever skydive? - No! Why? You oughta try it. You might learn something. I was skydiving once and my main chute didn't open. My reserve didn't open either. There I was, plunging to the earth. As I hit the treetops I discovered the meaning of life. - Which is? - It sucks, Arthur. It really sucks. They used to keep Native Dancer down there. Native Dancer, the horse. They kept him down there. Beautiful animal. - Where are we going? - Do you have any place in mind? Down. I would prefer to go down. Just relax and enjoy it, Arthur. The old Chinese proverb. Great, isn't it? Oh, my! Let me show you something. Look at that. Wild, isn't it? - We've hit it. - Hit what? What did we hit? The halfway point. There's a little game I play. I always calculate how far I can go on the fuel I have and still get back. Then I figure out the halfway point and I go just a little beyond it. You mean we're beyond the halfway point? You mean we're not gonna make it back? Maybe, maybe not. Well, land. Land! Put it down! Come on, we're all right. If we're beyond the halfway point we're not all right. Land! Here we go! Heading back. Sixteen years of marriage and my wife still won't eat Chinese food. It's crazy. Especially since we met in a Chinese restaurant. How are we doing? Where are we? Are we back yet? Trust me, Arthur. It's a protest. She relates Chinese food to our marriage. We're not gonna make it back! I knew it! I knew it! We're not gonna make it back! Arthur, look at that. I told you I had good instincts. Hang on, Arthur. Hang on now. Hang on... Hang on, Arthur. We'll make it. Hang on! Oh, God! Oh, God! Hang on! Hang on! Home free. We almost made it right on the button. Another ninety feet. I told you I had good instincts. Come on, let's go ashore. ***, my wheel. Come on, Arthur. It's easier when you take the belt off. That's it. Are you all right? Come on, let's get some coffee. You'll be all right. Your adrenaline's still charged. You have to admit it makes you feel alive, vital. When I think that we could be dead right now... Listen, why is everyone so preoccupied with death? I'm not usually preoccupied with it, but this seems like a valid time. Another chicken salad sandwich. Arthur? No. Let's get back to Fleming. - You won't consider taking his case? - Nope. Not interested. You'd better be interested. There are some very powerful people who can ruin your career. Ruin my career? What do you mean? For one they can have you disbarred. Do you want some more coffee? Disbarred? What are you talking about? Did you ever have a client named Ernest Drago? Drago, yeah. What about him? You gave the police information that led to his conviction. Drago was a nut. Drago was insane. He sat in my office and rattled off the most grotesque fantasies imaginable. I handled him on a burglary charge and I heard that stuff every day. His favourite fantasy was: What would happen if he stuck a firecracker in somebody's mouth? So, I read in the newspapers that there was this nut - - who held people at gunpoint and forced cherry bombs in their mouths. I knew it was Drago, so I told the police. You didn't prevent a crime. You betrayed a client. - You violated the code of ethics. - What are you talking about? - What's going on? - Arthur, they want you. You're a very principled lawyer with no political ties. I tell ya... They want me to defend Fleming because of my moral integrity. And if I don't defend him I'll be disbarred for being unethical. Look, Arthur. Put aside your personal feelings. Take the case. You've worked too hard. Don't throw your career away. I can't believe this. I just don't believe it. - Judge, I want McCullaugh freed. - Nothing can be done. I don't buy that, Judge. Just reopen the case. Reopen the case and I'll get him acquitted. Now look. You are in no position to ask for anything. But I'll see what I can do to help. Perhaps there's an exception to the statute. Okay. Okay. So, why don't you tell me about the girl? This Leah Shephard. Can you tell me anything about her? What do you want to know? I saw her a few times. She works at City Hall. - Did you have sex on the first date? - Yes. First and second time. - That's why this makes no sense. - What do you think happened to her? I assure you I did not *** her, but... I really don't know. Maybe an angry boyfriend showed up after I left. Angry boyfriend? That's a little mild, don't you think? She wasn't just ***, she was sadistically beaten and sodomized. That's a bit beyond angry boyfriend. You're right. I'm sorry. How did I get into this? I've been involved in the law for thirty years. And I can't find five people who'll believe I'm innocent. - Will you take a lie detector test? - Why? It's not admissible evidence. I know. I would like you to do it for me. - I'll think about it. - No, no... - I said, I would think about it. - You can't do this. I need a polygraph to prepare your case. - If I'm going to be your lawyer... - If you're going to be? - Mr Kirkland, you are my lawyer. - I know. I'm your lawyer. And as your lawyer there are certain demands... As I said to you before, you don't demand anything. Now sit down. I have a lot of work to do. I said, sit down. Leave it out here. - Jeff, what happened to you? - Somebody beat me up. - What for? - I don't know. I didn't ask. Listen, I talked to Fleming. We'll work something out. We'll get you out of here. When? It's gonna take maybe three weeks. I promise I'll get you out by then. - Three weeks? - That's the best I can do. - You must be kidding. - It's the best I can do. - What am I supposed to do? - You're gonna have to hang in there. - Just take care of yourself. - Take care? I got myself locked up in solitary to get away from some guys. I can't fight. You read about guys being let out of prison because it's too crowded. And here I am and I didn't do nothing. If that doesn't beat all. I know, Jeff. You can't lose hope. Understand me? You can't lose hope. Happy Thanksgiving. - I bet we're gonna have good turkey. - Of course we are. Where's your teeth? You need your teeth if you're gonna eat turkey. Where's your teeth, Grandpa? Did I have my teeth last time you were here? Of course you had. You had teeth this morning. He doesn't remember so well. - What did I do with my teeth? - He's very proud of you. He always talks about his grandson studying to become a lawyer. I wish he could remember that I am a lawyer. Sometimes he does, sometimes he doesn't. So what? He's still proud. Arnie, are you sure I had my teeth this morning? I know you had teeth. What's that? By the television. All right. I'm ready. I hope your friend won't mind me coming. No, Arnie. This is Thanksgiving. There will be a lot of people. You'll be all right. Let me get this here. - Okay, guys. - Let's go, let's go. I hope they don't have yams. I hate yams. I can't eat off my knees. What happened to sitting at a table? You say: "Pass the salt". "A little more stuffing, please". Is it true, that Fleming passed the polygraph test? Larry, that's privileged information. Let's just say I'm one of the privileged. He did, didn't he? What are the odds? Nobody wanted to believe he's innocent. I can't talk about that. I could tell this is catered. Turkey I know. What is this? - Excuse me... - Go ahead, go ahead. - Thank you. - Go already. What is this fancy thing over here? You don't like it? You don't eat it. I'll bet it's the yams. They're hiding the yams so I'll eat it. Hi. How are you? Is it Jay? What do you think, Arthur? Hello, Larry. Do you like it? It came to me during the night. - I gotta talk to you. - Excuse me. Marcie, I'm coming back. When I do, you can pet it. - What are you doing? What's going on? - Nothing. What do you mean? What are you doing with that head? - Where'd you get it? - I shaved my head. - What for? - A change of pace. You shaved your head for a change of pace? Also, do you see what it does? It's going to make it thick. When this comes back it's gonna be thick. What's bothering you? Don't play big brother, all right? Where's that Marcie? Will the defendant please rise. I find the defendant guilty of armed robbery I don't understand. What's going on? Am I going to jail? Since this is the defendant's first major offence, - - and he has no criminal record and is currently employed, - - I request an investigation. - You foresee a favourable report? - Yes, Your Honour. A probation report is to be drawn up and presented within fifteen days. Sentencing will be withheld until that time. What happens now? They prepare a report for the judge - - and in fifteen days you should be out on probation. - Should be? I have to be. - Don't worry, you'll be okay. Arthur. Where are you going? - My office. - Come in, I'll take you. - It's a new one, huh? - Yeah, you like it? - Arthur, I've got a problem. - What? - This young girl... - Not again, Carl. I think it's a paternity suit. Well, you know me, Arthur. Is Jay letting his hair grow back or keeping it shaved? He shaves it every day. He carries around a razor - - which he runs over his head all day long. Jesus. Sounds pretty bad. He's not all right, is he? He's all right. He'll be all right. You know, the committee's considering calling him in. His clients are complaining. He's postponing his court dates. He's got a problem. He's all right. He's all right. You know what this whole thing comes down to, don't you? Every day, defence lawyers get guilty people off and are not affected by it. It's not supposed to affect them. The difference is that Jay was affected by it. He was hurt by it. - That's not the point. - Isn't it ironic? That the one lawyer who felt something is brought before your ethics committee? Don't make yourself out to be the only sensitive person around here. I know Jay was hurting. That's not the point. He's not functioning properly because of it. He's all right. He just needs time. I've taken over his court cases. He's emphasizing on contracts. Now lay off him, okay? I'm just trying to let you know what's going on. I love the way the hierarchy works. You're going after guys like Jay - - and nobody is doing anything about Judge Rayford, who's a suicidal maniac. - Rayford? - Yes. The man is bent on killing himself. A bailiff once found him trying to hang himself. You know where he eats his lunch? Outside his window, on the ledge, four stories high. This man is making value decisions on people's lives. His personal behaviour is not affecting his work. - You know that for sure? - He's an excellent judge. - And Jay's an excellent lawyer. - I know. He was. That's not the point. The point is, his problems are affecting his clients. That's why the committee wants to see him. Oh, God. You know, there are times - - when I'm not too sure I like you. We are so opposite - - in how we feel about things. Maybe that's good. - That's perfect, right? - Right. As long as we keep a little friction between us, there are no problems. That's all the photos in the Fleming case. Here's the name and address of a witness that lives in Leah's neighbourhood. - He thinks you ought to see this guy. - What does this say? Reisler? Reisler. Yeah, Reisler. She's a little constipated. She's got that look on her face. You saw somebody go into Leah's house on the night of the attack? Can you describe that person? I'd say he was a young fella. Small build, about 5'6, 5'7. - Cherry? - No, thanks. A small fella, huh? Could you identify him if you saw him? No, it was too dark. Too far. You knew about the publicity this case is getting? Newspapers about Judge Fleming? Then how come you didn't report this to the police? I went to the police. I told them I had information for them - - and they told me to wait. I waited one, two, three hours. I finally turned around and went home. I couldn't spend the whole night there. Do you know Leah Shephard? Oh, you know, to wave to her and say hello. Would you testify to what you just said in court? I guess I would, if I had to. But I really don't wanna get involved. Then what happened? I told him to move on, but he used profanity and refused to leave. What sort of profanity? You know, the normal kind. We've all heard these words before. What did he say? He used "***" a lot. And "*** on you". And said he was going to "bunghole" the short-order chef. He was going to "cream" on the waitress. Stuff like that. There's a very good reason for all that, Your Honour. What is that? I'm a diabetic. I don't get it. I've never heard of diabetes causing foul language. That's because you're a *** bag. Make sure this man gets a psychiatric evaluation. I will withhold a verdict pending a medical report. Day in, day out, same *** thing. These people belong in a mental home. That judge is slower than the six-o'clock news. - What can you do for me? - A year. Are you kidding? I thought it was bargain day. He'll buy six months. All right. What else have you got? Fenwick. - Eighteen months. - Eighteen months? You tell him. He's crazy. He'll snap your neck. Tell him a year, but the offer's only good for today. Frank, come on... He's got beady eyes. He's a maniac. He bit off two of his cellmate's fingers. I can't tell him a year. It's the best I can do. I'm not in a good mood. - Frank? - Here I am. - Is that it? - Yeah. I'll get back to you on Fenwick. - I have to talk to you. - I've got a case coming up. Then what happened, Mr Saltzman? This punk kept pulling my wife's purse and she wouldn't let go. So I tried to get him off. He pushes me aside and knocks my wife into a wall. You want the good news first? - Shoot. - Fleming passed the polygraph. And I have an eyewitness. We will call the defendant Robert Avillar to the stand. And as for your star witness, Leah Shephard... We know about her credibility. You want me to throw the whole Fleming thing out the window? I've got you by the balls. He's innocent. If the DA drops the case, everybody will scream political deal. The old lady kept hanging on. She lets go of the purse, I'm gone. But she kept hanging on. I didn't mean any harm. You're gonna come out of this looking like a jerk. Maybe. But let me tell you something. If this was a run-of-the-mill killing, maybe we could deal. This is not. This is too hot. It's the silver ring. Any questions from the State? - What the hell are you doing? - This is a dream come true. Don't spoil it. When I get Fleming down I'm gonna crucify him! My client has no criminal record. He just wanted to take her money. It's the Super Bowl, Art. And I'm the quarterback. With three seconds to go, I drop back to pass and there's a touchdown. Fleming's carried out on a stretcher. It's that big. I find you guilty. But I'm not going to jail you. I'm placing you on probation for one year. One year probation? What kind of punishment is that? People are really pissed off at the law. I'll turn that to my advantage. You're representing the sacrificial lamb. This is justice? What kind of world do we live in? Crazy! The whole world is crazy. What's going on? It's Jay Porter. He's gone completely crazy. Jay! Jay! It's me, Arthur! - Where did he get the plates? - From the cafeteria. He's been bringing them up all morning. Nobody paid any attention to him. No, no! He's not armed. - What's he got? - He's got plates. Put that away. What's going on? He's not armed. He's just throwing plates. - Does anybody know who he is? - It's Jay Porter. He's a lawyer. A lawyer? Mr Porter! - Here. - No, wait, wait. Hold this. I'm gonna wrestle him. - Are you all right? - Yeah, fine. Get some canisters. We'll gas him out. Oh, Christ! - How about I run interference? - What do you mean? I've got this. You stay right on my tail. Judge coming through! Jay, it's me, Arthur! Jay, listen to me. Jay, listen to me. No! I'm not ready! No! I'm not ready to try this case! I'm not ready! I'm not ready, Judge! Please! Help me, help me, help me! Warren, could you do me a favour? Three o'clock, courtroom A. My client, Ralph Agee. They're reviewing his probation report. They screwed up the report. I made these corrections. - Make sure the judge sees it. - No problem. You'll be in and out in five minutes. He'll be wearing a blonde wig. Don't let it throw you. It makes him happy. Tell Agee I'll call him tonight, and I'm sorry I couldn't make it. I drew up the contract. I just wanted you to review it. - So I reviewed it. - For a 7,000 dollar fee? Doctors treat each other for free. Where's some professional courtesy? Screw that, this is business. Besides, I got the lunch. - Come on, Warren. - My God, Arthur's case! I forgot all about it. I'll see you later. What are we waiting for? For Arthur Kirkland. Sentencing on Ralph Agee. Check the halls. See if he's lost. Let's move on here. Sorry I'm late. I'm filling in for Mr Kirkland. I will not permit this type of conduct. When you're due in my court at three, I expect you here at that time. I have a copy of Ralph Agee's probation report here. - Are you familiar with this? - Yes, I am, Your Honour. Who are you? Mr Kirkland asked me to handle this. You'll be out of here in a second. Do you have anything to say about this report? It's all right there in front of you. Well, I'm not satisfied. Ralph Agee, will you stand before the court? Stand up. On the basis... And take off that wig. On the basis of this report, I sentence you to three years - - in the custody of the Department of Corrections. Mr Kirkland said I'd be out on probation. He said I'd be out on probation! I'd like to call your attention to some corrections... You know the proper procedure for appeal. I'd like to move things along. We have another case, Your Honour. State of Maryland versus Della. Are you crazy? Arthur! Arthur, damn you! Back off, dammit! Watch out for the car! Arthur, knock it off! Are you nuts? - Get out! - For Christ's sake, stop it! Back off and I'll get out. What the hell's wrong with you? What are you doing to my car? Tell me about it. You tell me about Agee. Tell me about it. It got by me. It got by you? It got by you? It got by you! By you! Just stay away from the car! Agee did not have to go to jail. He did not have to go to jail! So he gets out on probation in ten months. It's not all my fault. I hate those cases. I was doing you a favour. - What kind of favour? - It's all nickel and dime, Arthur! Don't you care? Warren, don't you even care? If you cared so much, why weren't you there? I do care, but not about them. They're people, Warren. They're people. Just people. If he's not in jail this week he will be next week. You know probation's at fault. Appeal it. I can't appeal. He's dead! He's dead! Half an hour after they put him in the lock- up - - he hanged himself. Goddammit! I'm sorry. - Goddammit! - I'm sorry... Goddammit! Judge? - Judge? - Yeah. I spoke with the state attorney's office. They're gonna go ahead with an indictment. - Who'd you talk to? - Bowers. Frank Bowers. Well, he's right. If we don't go to court, it'll look like a political manoeuvre. I want everything out in the open. I'm very pleased. Okay, what about McCullaugh? I need your ruling on my motion for a new trial. What about it? The groundwork is prepared. We'll have a date soon. What do you mean, groundwork? Are you jerking me off here? I just need a yes or a no. Tell McCullaugh to be patient. Patient? - What did you say? - What do you mean patient? Judge, this is not a case of monetary damages. This is a human being we're talking about. A boy who's in prison, frightened out of his mind. Fighting every day for his life. I can't tell him to be patient. Prison should be frightening. Let the criminals create their own hellhole. Are you crazy? What are you talking about? I tell you, the idea of punishment to fit the crime doesn't work. We need unjust punishment. Hang somebody for armed robbery. Try it. We have nothing to lose. Do you understand what I'm saying, for God's sake? You don't, do you? You fellas with your fancy ideas of rehabilitation. The concept of rehabilitation is a farce. Do you honestly think - - that bringing Johnny Cash into prisons to sing railroad songs - - is gonna rehabilitate anyone? Most people are sick and tired of crime in the streets. Do you hear what I'm saying? Arthur? Arthur! Could you tell us what's going on? How many hostages are there? A statement is all we want. The clinic doctor felt he was well enough to go back to his cell. All of a sudden McCullaugh had a gun. Where do these guards come from? No training, no education and no motivation. I hope you have this thing under control. We can't sit on this for long. There are too many *** criminals in this building! Open up. Get those nurses off the floor. Excuse me, warden. I couldn't hold him any longer. He had to go back. He had to, huh? That's not the point. I'm surprised he's even awake. I loaded him up on tranqs just before he was to leave. Jeff? Jeff? It's me, Arthur. Hi, Mr Kirkland. Hi. - How are you doing? - Pretty good. And you? I'm all right. - Can I come in? - Where are you? - I'm out in the hallway. - I can't see you. Can you see me now? I'm over here in the hallway. Can you see me? Can you see me? Could I come in you think? I guess so. Okay, I'm coming in. So, what's new? You know, the usual. Business. Jeff, this is crazy. You know? I know. I mean, me taking hostages. That's what's really crazy. It took me forty minutes to tie them up because I couldn't make a good knot. - Would you know how to do that? - I don't know. I guess I would... I guess you make a square knot. That's the easiest. I don't know. Would you take a look to see if I did these okay? Sure, Jeff. Look at the knot. You sure tied them. They're good knots. Tell them not to come in here! I don't want anybody in here! Get out! Down! Oh, Jeff. Jeff, now look... You can't win this thing. Understand? You can't win. This is their thing. They gear up for this kind of thing. Please. I can't stand it anymore. They *** me. A whole bunch of times. And other stuff, too. Jeff. Jeff... Can I move closer, Jeff? - Can I move closer? - I guess so. Just down here. I want to talk to you. Jeff... Listen to me, Jeff. I don't know what to tell you. I just don't know. Anything I tell you... It's just that you gotta give up. - Give up? To whom? - Jeff, you gotta do it. Everybody screwed me. Who else is there? Would you go away please? I just want this much free space. This much is all I want. I swear to God, Jeff... It'll be all right. You did what you could. But nothing makes sense anymore. Not in here. - What are you gonna do? - Nothing. I don't have to do anything. - You can't just sit there. - Yes, I can! All I want to do is sit here. Okay. - It's cold in here. - You want my coat? My legs... Oh, God. My legs are cramping so bad I can hardly move them. Stay down! Arthur, come on in. - It's Sunday, Carl. - I want to show you something. What's up? Your partner's coming back, I hear. - Will they let him practice again? - Sure. Why not? Who says you gotta be sane to practice law? Come on, what's going on? What do you want? I've got a little present for you. You know, favour for favour. Sweetheart, give him the pictures. There you have it. It's the head of the Ethics Committee, - - Judge Fleming and the ***. She takes a good picture, huh? What do you think? Does that cover my legal fees for the next two years? Oh, Carl... Take the pictures. It's a token of my appreciation. Oh, my, my... Look, Arthur... These photos are disgusting, but not proof that Fleming *** Leah Shephard. He did it. The son of a *** is guilty. Okay. Then drop the case. - I can't. - Why not? Because the man with the whip is blackmailing me. He's blackmailing you? What for? A long time ago I betrayed a client's confidence. It's a long story, Gail. That's why Zinoff pulled your file. What do you mean? After you walked out on the committee, we did a check on you. - A check on me? - Yeah. Zinoff requested it. I had no idea why. You mean to tell me that while we were sleeping together - - you and the fellas were making decisions on my life? - Gail, on my life? - Would you just let me finish? Then Zinoff said he wanted to personally review your case. - I swear, I had no idea. - Jesus, this whole thing stinks! Okay, if you feel that way about it, then fight them. Go ahead. Go up against them. Take the consequences. Consequences? The consequences are that I'll be disbarred. - I know that. - I'm a lawyer. It's all I know. Then do it. Defend Fleming. You'll win the case. No disbarment. You'll end up being a very important lawyer. A judge is guilty of beating and raping a woman. You're talking crazy. You don't know he's guilty. You assume he is guilty because you hate him so much. Even if he is, what difference does it make? A defence lawyer has to defend people who are guilty. You know that. Would you defend him? If you were me, would you do it? I would because it's my job. You know? Look... You took an oath to defend your clients as best you can. If you can't do that, then get out. Where'd you get these? I've been carrying them around for a couple of days. What do they mean? I see the wheels spinning. Sex photos, sex crime. Is he guilty? Is he? Yes. What about the polygraph? The eyewitness. How did you do that? Those were taken care of for me. So, now you have it. I'll see you in court, Arthur. Oh, you forgot these. So, you're home on leave? Arthur's in the coastguard. I don't understand. He's getting worse. It depends. He comes, he goes. You didn't come for three weeks. He missed you very much. I was busy, Arnie. I had the trial and all. I know, I know. It's important to you. But you missed three Tuesdays, so he lost his sense of time. You know, Arnie... I don't know what I'd do if he goes. - He's the only family I've got. - He's very proud of you. I'm a lawyer because of him. He wanted it for me and he made sure I got it. To him - - being a lawyer was the finest thing you could be. Your Honour, court's about to begin. Coming! Coming! You must admit she's an attractive woman. I wouldn't mind seeing her again. You'll be fine. Just answer simply and directly. Silence. All rise. All persons in this court draw near and pay attention. The Honourable Francis Rayford presiding. Be seated. It's really very simple. We have a judge, the symbol ofjustice here - - who's accused of raping and brutally beating this young girl. We can do something about it. We can do it today and we can do it together. Let's make this our goal line stand. Just give me a verdict of guilty. I need your help. Thank you. The Prosecutor has completed his opening statement. - Is the defence counsellor ready? - Yes, Your Honour. Your Honour, Mr Foreman, ladies and gentlemen of the jury. My name is Arthur Kirkland - - and I am the defence counsellor for the defendant - - Judge Henry T. Fleming. That man over there is the prosecuting attorney. And he couldn't be happier today. He is a happy man because today he's going after a judge. And if he gets him - - he's gonna be a star. He will have his name in this month's Law Review, centrefold. Lawyer of the month. Now, in order to win this case he needs you. Naturally. You're all he's got. So, he's counting on tapping that emotion in you, which says: "Let's get somebody in power. Let's get a judge." However, these proceedings are here to see thatjustice is done. And justice is, as any reasonable person would tell you, finding the truth. And what is the truth today? One tragic truth - - is that that girl has been beaten and ***. Another truth is that the prosecution has no witness. Does not have one piece of evidence - - other than the testimony of the victim herself. Another truth is that my client voluntarily, - - and the prosecution is well aware of this, - - took a lie detector test... Objection! That's inadmissible evidence. - Come on, Arthur. - He told the truth. The jury will disregard that remark. Polygraph tests have not been proven reliable enough. They are inadmissible. Sorry, Your Honour. Let's get back to justice. What is justice? What is the intention ofjustice? The intention is to prove guilty the guilty and free the innocent. Simple, isn't it? Only it's not that simple. However, it is the defence counsellor's duty - - to protect the rights of the individual. As it is the prosecution's duty to uphold the laws of the state. Justice for all. Only we have a problem here. And do you know what it is? Both sides want to win. We want to win. We want to win regardless of the truth. We want to win regardless of justice. Regardless of who's guilty or innocent. Winning is everything. That man wants to win so badly today. It means so much to him. He is so carried away with the prospect of winning - - that he forgot something that's essential to today's proceedings. He forgot his case. He forgot to bring it. I don't see it. Do you? The prosecution has got to have a case. Not a witness. Not one piece of evidence - - other than the testimony of the victim herself. Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, I have a case to end all cases. I have witnesses for my client. I have character references. Testimonials that are backed up from here to Washington DC. - I have lie detector tests... - Objection! Objection sustained. Mr Kirkland, you are out of order! The one thing that bothered me... The one thing that stayed in my mind and haunted me - - was why? Why would she lie? What was her motive for lying? If my client is innocent, she's lying. Why? Was it blackmail? No. Was it jealousy? No. Yesterday I found out why. She doesn't have a motive. You know why? Because she's not lying. Ladies and gentlemen of the jury... The prosecution - - is not going to get that man today. No. Because I'm gonna get him. My client, the Honourable Henry T. Fleming, - - should go right to *** jail! The son of a *** is guilty! That man is guilty. That man there... That man is a slime. He is a slime. If he's allowed to go free - - then something is really wrong here. - Mr Kirkland, you're out of order. - You're out of order! The whole trial is out of order. They're out of order. That sex-crazy, depraved man - - *** and beat that woman. And he'd like to do it again. It's just a show! It's a show! It's "Let's Make a Deal". Let's make a deal! Frank, you wanna make a deal? I have an insane judge who likes to beat up women. What'll you give me? Three weeks probation? You son of a ***! You're supposed to stand for something, to protect people. Instead you *** and *** them! You killed McCullaugh! You killed him! Hold it, hold it! I just completed my opening statement! Oh, ***. The judge says, you won the trial. So now he's doing two to ten. Hi, Arthur. Good to see ya. Nice day.