Murder One (1995–1997): Season 1, Episode 11 - Chapter Eleven - full transcript
Hoffman becomes more suspicious of Cross
The prosecution and defense
face off during jury selection.
Do you understand the concept
of reasonable doubt?
You understand the concept
of circumstantial evidence, don't you?
That if such doubts aren't reasonable,
then you must return a verdict of guilty.
The law requires that when
there are two reasonable inferences...
...to be drawn, you must adopt
the one suggesting innocence.
Neil Avedon's obsessed fan.
--Neil is the one who should be
asking the questions!
ls Holly Gerges capable of doing
what she says she did here?
Absolutely. "Tell your girlfriend
to keep away from you...
...or I'll do what
I did to Jessica."
Her hands fit around Jessica Costello's
throat as easily as anyone else's.
I could show you 100 different ways
where we are 100 percent...
...predestined to be together.
What exactly would you like me to do?
Wait for me outside,
because I'm going to kill your attorney.
-I don't want you to do that, Holly.
-I could make you happy.
Give me the gun.
Holly Gerges died in custody.
No sign of struggle.
What are the actuarials of a woman
in her 30s dropping dead on cue?
If it was a hit,
it was sophisticated.
Ted Hoffman confronts the enemy.
I know what you did, Richard,
even if I'll never be able to prove it.
I know you were involved
in this girl's murder...
...and Dave Blalock's
and Jessica Costello's.
I see through the alibis,
the veils of lies and deception...
...to the sickness at the core
of your being.
The People v. Mr. Neil Avedon.
Good morning. Miriam Grasso
and Mark Washington for the people.
Theodore Hoffman and Chris
Docknovich for Mr. Avedon.
-Defense has a motion?
Yes.
The defense moves this court to
dismiss the charges against Mr. Avedon.
The people oppose.
lncluded in our points and authorities...
...is an authenticated letter
of one Holly Gerges.
...is an authenticated letter
of one Holly Gerges.
lt presents evidence that
she confessed...
...to committing Jessica Costello's
murder. Not my client.
-What about it, Ms. Grasso?
-We contend the late Holly Gerges...
...would've confessed
to killing Marilyn Monroe...
...if she thought it would
favorably influence the defendant.
We therefore are
requesting a postponement...
...to develop information
to support our position.
And to prepare opposing papers.
That's a stalling tactic which
is not only unfair to Mr. Avedon...
...but a waste of the court's time
and the taxpayers' money.
Notwithstanding counsel's
civic concern...
...the people's request
for more time is reasonable.
We're approaching the holiday season,
vacations have us short-staffed.
We could take this up
after the first of the year.
Meanwhile, Mr. Avedon
has a murder charge...
...hanging over his head
that doesn't belong there.
I'm not gonna derail this whole process,
Mr. Hoffman.
I'm setting the hearing after
Christmas recess two weeks from today.
Jury selection will continue
as scheduled...
... resuming tomorrow morning
at 1 O a.m.
What's she waiting for? Why doesn't
she drop the charges against me?
She has to give the DA a chance to
investigate the letter and Holly Gerges.
Oh, man. Two more weeks.
And even then, Neil, it's a long shot.
Like a lottery ticket.
Put it away and forget
about it until the drawing.
Okay, Ted, sure. I will.
Please continue, Mr. Hoffman.
Your questionnaire states you
saw on LAW TV...
...that my client passed a polygraph.
I think it was LAW TV.
Do you understand...
...that polygraph results cannot be used
in a court of law?
...that polygraph results cannot be used
in a court of law?
-Yes.
Notwithstanding that fact...
...have you already made up your mind?
If he can kill, he can lie about it.
Lie detectors are scientific.
You can't fool science.
I think he was telling the truth.
He's an actor, right?
He lies for a living.
The fact that he agreed to take the
test tells me he might be innocent.
And because this is a high-profile case,
with a well-known defendant...
...l have to ask why you
want to be on this jury.
I'm retired, and I'd like to do
something constructive with my time.
I'm just here because I got
that thing in the mail.
This case is so famous,
I feel like I'm a part of history.
Does this mean I have to leave?
I can be fair.
lt says on your questionnaire that you
think Neil Avedon's attorney is mean.
-You are.
Do I have moments...
-...or am I mean all the time?
I saw you on TV, at the--
-...or am I mean all the time?
I saw you on TV, at the--
What do you call it? Preliminary hearing.
You weren't very nice. You were pushy.
If I were representing your brother...
...who was charged with a murder
you knew he didn't commit...
...and the prosecutor wanted
to put him away for life...
...would you want me to be nice?
-That would be different.
How so?
lt'd be my brother.
And you'd want me to be as tough
and aggressive...
...as humanly possible for your
innocent brother, wouldn't you?
-I suppose.
You suppose.
Well, I'm not sure. Maybe.
So in other words,
for the right person, an innocent person...
...my bad manners are permissible?
Maybe I'm wrong, but I think
you might like me better already.
I have three young daughters, myself.
The guy just doesn't set well with me.
Could you be more specific
about your discomfort, sir?
Well, maybe he didn't kill the Costello
girl, but he sure took advantage of her.
-Nothing further.
-Mr. Hoffman?
You have no idea how old or mature
Jessica Costello looked, do you, sir?
The paper runs her picture all the time.
That's her high school class photo.
But you don't know what she looked like
when she was with Avedon, do you?
No, I guess I don't.
Have you read newspaper reports
that say Jessica was a regular patron...
...at clubs that only admit
adults 21 and older?
-Yes.
So can you accept the fact...
...that Neil Avedon may have believed
that Jessica was older than her years?
lt wouldn't be the first time
it happened. Yeah.
Nothing further.
Mr. Switzer, if you remain a juror,
and you're presented with facts...
...that Jessica Costello not only
acted older than her years...
...but also had a dozen sexual partners,
would you be inclined to blame her...
-...for her own death?
-No.
And if you were presented
with facts that she had...
...in excess of 20 sexual partners...
...from whom she may have accepted
gifts or money or cocaine...
...from whom she may have accepted
gifts or money or cocaine...
...would that dispose you to blame
Jessica Costello for her own death?
No, I don't think so.
I sense some ambivalence.
Twenty guys is a lot.
Yes, it is.
Is it too many for you to be fair?
I don't know.
At a certain point, you gotta wonder.
The court thanks and excuses
Mr. Switzer for cause.
-You're a professor of constitutional law?
That is correct.
If you were a part of this jury,
do you think your expertise...
...would have an impact
on the jury during deliberations?
I wouldn't allow that to happen, counsel.
I'm a purist who believes that
there are no experts on juries.
Just 12 dedicated citizens.
You haven't formed any opinion
about this case?
Not yet. Until evidence and testimony
are presented to me...
...how could I possibly have an opinion?
I believe everyone has good
in them. Everybody loses their way.
Does that belief extend to my client?
I don't know.
l've seen you on TV saying he had
nothing to do with that girl's death.
But he was there the night she died.
He had some part in it.
But you don't know he
had some part in it...
...because you haven't heard
any evidence. Is that correct?
That's right.
-The law states that you must...
...presume Mr. Avedon didn't
kill Jessica Costello...
...unless the prosecution
proves differently.
-You understand that, don't you?
-Yes, I got that.
Can you follow the law and
presume Mr. Avedon's innocence?
I have to.
-Sidebar, judge.
-Approach.
The defense challenges
Mrs. Harris for cause.
She said she'd make the presumption
of innocence.
Of course, we're in a public forum.
The truth is she couldn't presume
innocence even if she tried.
I don't see it. If you want her off,
you'll have to exercise a peremptory.
I reserve the right
to come back to her.
Only if something new comes up. I want
this jury seated by Christmas recess.
Step back.
We are in recess until 3:OO.
I bet you spent $200 on that shirt.
Eighty-five. Half-price sale at Fred Segal.
Wait and see what I get
with my Christmas bonus.
-Think we'll get our bonuses today?
We'd better.
I started shopping for a car
Iast weekend.
If history prevails, today's the day.
Ted will pass them out in
the staff meeting, first thing.
-Good afternoon, folks.
Afternoon.
First things first.
We're stacked up on Avedon.
Let's make sure everything else
is covered.
I have all the appeals and motions
under control.
I'm handling your court appearances and
getting continuances where necessary.
Excuse me, Ted. Richard Cross is here.
He'd like a moment.
Shall I put him in your office?
He can wait in the lobby.
I'm fielding client calls. Gary Blondo said
Neil's movie opened to record numbers.
Great. Neil could use good news.
-What did Blondo really want?
-For Neil to do publicity on Deadbolt.
-The answer is no.
Got it.
Studio won't be too pleased.
We just sent them last month's
Iegal services bill.
Money well spent to protect their
investment and his movie. What else?
Leonard Meech wants our
representation before the state bar.
-What's the charge?
-He cut himself in for 300/o...
...of an estate he was representing.
He also commingled the funds with his
business account before the lady died.
Pass. That's Meech's M.O. We don't
need any more bad press right now.
If that's all, we're done.
Oh.
Almost forgot.
Christmas bonuses.
-Merry Christmas.
-Thanks, Ted.
Thanks.
Thank you.
-Thank you, Ted.
-Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas, Ted.
What can I do for you, Richard?
I have an associate,
a very influential man from Brazil.
His son has had some...
...difficulty here in Los Angeles.
...difficulty here in Los Angeles.
I hope that your hard feelings
toward me...
...would not prevent you
from helping someone in need.
So before I talk to him about you...
...l needed to see if you would
indeed take a referral from me.
-What is it?
-The boy's a student at USC.
A co-ed has made an accusation
of date rape.
The kid's young, he's confused,
he's...
...avoiding the issue.
Meaning he's a fugitive from justice.
His father arrives today.
May I send him to you?
-Does he have a name?
-Roberto Portalegre.
Have him call me.
I appreciate this, Teddy.
Very festive. I like it.
Teddy.
Sneaking in the back way again?
-Louis' gifts. You forgot them.
-Oh, thanks.
What did we get for him this year?
A nice collection of stocking
stuffers from Barneys...
-...and a cruise to Mexico.
-lf I can get him to take time off.
Since you brought it up...
...l realize Christmas recess is
your time to prepare for the trial.
I know, I've been thinking about it too.
We're gonna carve out some real time
for the three of us...
...starting with Christmas Eve.
No trial, no Neil Avedon...
...just you, me and Lizzie.
I'd better go before Louis gets back
and realizes there's no Santa Claus.
Did I ever tell you how crazy I am
about you?
Thank you, Santa.
I know we disagree on this, Ted.
But I like what I'm seeing
with Professor Adler.
-He could become your virtual juror.
Who's that?
Your virtual juror is the person who,
in effect...
...is Ted's stand-in with the jury
during deliberations.
I also like this Iverson lady.
Problem is, they read neutral on paper.
Let's see how they do in the room.
Ted, Mr. Portalegre's
here for his 2:OO.
I deposited him in your office.
All right.
-When are we due back in court?
-About an hour. I'll grab you then.
I've got phone calls.
Meet you downstairs.
You okay?
I'll be better when Bornstein
dismisses the case.
Don't get too high and
you won't get too low.
Does this allegation come out of
a relationship or stem from a first date?
Mr. Hoffman, Eduardo's 20 years old.
And you must understand, this charge...
...this preposterous thing,
could never happen to him at home.
A girl wouldn't allow herself
to be alone with a man...
...at 3:OO in the morning, drunk,
unless she wanted sex.
To think, Eduardo's being hunted.
I hope you can help us.
-Where is your son now?
-Somewhere safe.
He'll have to turn himself in.
I don't want him in jail.
I understand,
but this is a serious charge.
If he'll agree to turn himself in,
this firm will take the case.
Then we'll try to work out a deal
for surrender with quick bail.
And then he'll be released?
At least temporarily.
I make no promises.
Understood. Please let me know
when I should bring Eduardo to you.
I will. Pleasure meeting you.
The pleasure is mine, Mr. Hoffman.
Richard wasn't wrong about you.
-What's this?
-Fifty thousand dollars.
Do your best for Eduardo.
I'll send you a bill, Mr. Portalegre.
-I'd appreciate it if you paid by check.
-Of course.
-Chris is in the lobby. Anything?
-I need Lisa right away.
And open a file on Mr. Portalegre.
Have you heard reports
that my client and Jessica...
...engaged in consensual sex, maybe
even on the very night Jessica died?
Yes.
How do you feel about that,
Ms. Iverson?
I don't feel anything about it,
one way or the other.
Does the fact that Neil
is 25 years old and Jessica was only 15...
...cause you to look at Mr. Avedon
in a negative light?
Well, that is quite an age disparity.
Can you be impartial in light of that?
I think so, yes.
Professor Adler...
...does Neil Avedon remind you
of any of your students?
No one in particular.
Not even that rare breed
to whom things seem to come too easily?
No. Not at all.
-Thank you.
Ms. Grasso?
I'd like to return to your comments
on evidence.
-What if a blood sample....
I tell you, he's a keeper.
-He means what he says.
-I don't think he has a problem with me.
But he's got a problem.
Maybe it's me or Miriam or the judge.
Something's wrong.
The one that worries me is Iverson.
She looks right through me.
I'll take another run at her.
And at Adler.
We're not near getting dismissed
for cause on either.
-We're down to three peremptories.
Excuse me.
ls this proceeding
interrupting you people?
Apologies, Your Honor.
If I could clear up a few things,
Ms. Iverson.
You say you work
in the family printing business.
-ls this your husband's company?
-My father's.
-l've never been married.
I see.
Any other siblings?
I have four brothers.
-Do they work in the firm?
No.
-Did they ever?
-No.
You live in the house
you were born in?
I inherited it from my parents.
Do you live alone?
-I'm a single woman. Yes.
Do you live alone?
-I'm a single woman. Yes.
-Thank you. May we have a sidebar?
Approach.
I'll tell you right now,
I don't see a dismissal for cause.
She can't possibly render a fair verdict.
Neil Avedon represents every man
who left her behind.
He's trying to save his peremptories.
Iverson's biased against my client.
Maybe. I can't be sure of that
unless you interview her further.
If I ask her any more personal questions,
and she doesn't reveal her bias...
...she'll never forgive me
or my client.
-Do you want to exercise a peremptory?
-Not at the present time.
-Yeah?
Lisa, Deputy Dr Bronson...
-...returning your call.
-Thanks, Lila.
David, thank you for getting back to me.
I'm representing Eduardo Portalegre.
You have a wanted out on him for rape.
I'd like to get together as soon
as possible and nip this in the bud.
We don't have to hook and jab
about this over the phone.
Why don't you get out your calendar
and we'll set up a time.
Do you have any openings
this afternoon?
So is this your specialty now?
Boy studs who won't
take no for an answer?
How do you know she said no?
Because she told you? Come on.
She presents no visible injuries,
no trauma, you said so yourself.
Well, if it's not a rape,
then why is your guy on the run?
He's a stranger in a strange land.
This is a wobbler, David.
Let's just resolve it
and save everybody grief.
Put something on the table.
Let him self-surrender
on a book and release.
You and I agree, in advance,
on $5000 bail.
He's already on the run.
Twenty grand.
He's coming in, remember?
Let's make it 10...
...he pleads to misdemeanor assault
with a fine, and we call it a day.
And the victim gets to live with
this for the rest of her life?
Uh-uh. No deal. Offer up some time.
-Offer up a case.
-Oh, I will. I promise.
All right.
How about this.
Give me the book and release,
and he posts $10,OOO bail.
That way he surrenders
and you file any way you want.
Deal.
Can't wait to meet him.
My money says there's gonna be
a new suspect...
...which will free Avedon up...
...and I bet Richard Cross
has something to do with it.
Have you followed the court's
admonition since jury selection...
...not to watch or read anything
about the Costello case?
Yes, I have, Your Honor.
Why?
The court needed clarification.
-Please proceed.
-Well, like I said...
...Cross will have something
to do with Avedon getting out.
And you base this theory on what?
Cross put up his bail,
didn't he? Follow the money.
What's forbes say Cross is worth?
Four hundred million?
All in multinational corporations.
Now look at Avedon's new movie.
Could it be any clearer?
I'm afraid, sir, it could.
Avedon's new movie was partly
financed by a Dutch company...
...shot in Canada, to be distributed
by a French corporation.
Follow the money.
-Mm-hm.
-Multinationals. Eurodollars.
The erasure of economic boundaries.
Cross and Avedon are Freemasons.
You're referring to
the fraternal organization?
I am referring, ma'am,
to the secret organization...
...whose goal is a one-bank,
one-government world.
Cross and Avedon are active members.
That's why Avedon slips out.
Because they don't have time
for your little trial.
Oh.
Now I get it. Your Honor?
The court appreciates your insights, sir.
Thank you, you're excused.
Oh, I'm dismissed, is that it?
That's it. The bailiff will see you out.
Fine. The conspiracy continues.
Are you sure this deputy
district attorney can be trusted?
Absolutely. Eduardo will be booked,
printed and bailed out tonight.
Will you be there to make sure
everything goes as planned?
Ms. Gillespie is more than capable.
You can place your full faith
and confidence in her.
Do I have your assurance that
my son won't go to prison?
Nobody could give you that,
Mr. Portalegre.
Eduardo is facing very serious charges.
Then why should I chance
Iosing my son?
Because otherwise he'll remain
a fugitive, and when they catch him...
...he'll face felony charges for fleeing,
and prison will be a near certainty.
You should also know the United States
has an extradition treaty with Brazil.
Eduardo.
I can't thank you enough for your help.
-This has been a difficult experience.
-You're welcome.
-I'll see you tonight.
-Adios.
-I'll see you tonight.
-Adios.
Mr. Hoffman. Ms. Gillespie.
Do you have any questions?
No. I just wanna get this over with.
Follow Ms. Gillespie's instructions,
and we'll speak tomorrow.
Thank you, Mr. Hoffman.
It's all right to feel a little nervous.
It's completely normal.
Do you have a boyfriend?
-Excuse me?
-I see. You don't want to talk about it.
-ls it because of your attraction to me?
-My what?
I assure you, it's mutual.
I hope you're not stupid enough...
...to talk like this in front
of the deputy DA.
Just a second.
-Hey! Don't you ever--
-You were under the mistletoe.
Excuse me. What the hell
do you think you're doing?
You must be the boyfriend.
What's going on?
Nothing. It's a misunderstanding.
-You sure?
-Everything's fine.
We'd better get downtown.
You've had a run-in
with the police, haven't you?
Yeah, last year.
What happened?
Well, me and my friends were
Iooking for a club in Hollywood.
And the police pulled us over.
-Why'd they do that?
They said...
...we fit the description of somebody
who held up a 7-Eleven.
How did that make you feel?
It was no big deal.
They did whatever they had to do
on their radios, and they let us go.
Does that experience lead you
to believe that the police...
...mistakenly arrested Neil Avedon?
Not necessarily.
Despite being detained
for a crime you didn't commit?
They stopped us because we were black.
That doesn't have anything
to do with this case.
-Your Honor, sidebar?
-Approach.
Challenge for cause.
The people's case is based in part
on police investigation.
The juror has an antipathy
for the police.
She just said otherwise.
I agree. You want her out,
Ms. Grasso, exercise a peremptory.
We'll keep her at this time.
Thank you, Your Honor.
What's happening?
Your Honor, one more piece of business.
At this time, the people
are prepared to go forward...
...with the motion to dismiss the case.
I assume you have something new
to present to the court?
Yes, Your Honor, that's correct.
The defense has had no opportunity
to review...
...whatever it is they're putting forth.
We would ask you to retain
the original date for resumption.
We're all here now.
Let's see what they have...
...and we'll take it from there.
Ladies and gentlemen,
the court has some unfinished business.
If you will follow the bailiffs,
we'll see you tomorrow at 9 a.m.
What's going on?
We're resuming the hearing to dismiss.
Two weeks early, which means
they have something.
Ms. Gerges' priors led me to think she
may have been stalking the defendant...
...in the days preceding
Ms. Costello's murder.
I worked back along the defendant's
personal appearances...
-...to establish his whereabouts.
-What did you find?
The defendant was on the
David Letterman show three days...
...before the murder. I requisitioned
Ms. Gerges' credit card receipts...
...and found several charges that placed
her in Manhattan during that taping...
...and subsequently, up to and
including the day of the murder.
Would it refresh your recollection as to
specifics if you could refer to your notes?
Yes, it would.
-Please do so.
Ms. Gerges charged a meal at
Planet Hollywood in New York at 6:18...
...September 20th,
the night of the murder...
...and then attended the 8:OO showing
oq Cats...
...and returned to her hotel, where she
made a long-distance call to Florida...
...from her hotel room
at two minutes after midnight.
Did you take steps to ensure that these
charges were made by Ms. Gerges...
...and not someone else
using her card?
I flew to New York with a photo
of Ms. Gerges.
I interviewed the waiters
at the restaurant...
...an usher at the theater,
and the doorman at her hotel.
-They all positively identified Ms. Gerges.
-Objection. Hearsay.
These are statements from percipient
witnesses who we can fly out here...
...if the court sees fit. Detective Polson
is relating their statements...
-...that they could identify Ms. Gerges.
-I'll allow them.
So your investigation demonstrates,
categorically, that Ms. Gerges...
...could not have been in Los Angeles
to commit Jessica Costello's murder.
-ls that correct, detective?
-That's correct.
Thank you. No further questions.
Exhibits and affidavits...
...supporting Detective Polson's
testimony.
...supporting Detective Polson's
testimony.
Any cross-examination?
We need time to review
these documents, Your Honor.
All right, so does the court.
Detective Polson, you're excused.
I'll rule on this tomorrow morning.
I'm screwed.
Totally, completely screwed.
-Take it easy, Neil.
-Teddy...
...tell me this is gonna be dismissed
after what just happened in there.
You're right.
We can expect her to deny our motion.
-Oh, man.
-It's just one battle in a long campaign.
-Yeah, right.
-You okay?
Oh, I'm terrific.
Why don't you and me
hang out tonight?
No, it's all right. I'll be fine.
Ted? Ted, do you have a minute?
Can I talk to you about something?
Neither Mrs. Harris nor
Ms. Iverson...
...have ever been involved
in a civil or criminal action.
Same for the professor, however,
when I ran a Westlaw search...
...for any cases he might have litigated,
things started popping.
Be advised, the Westlaw fee for this
month will be higher than usual.
Attorney of record, Simon Adler.
He was an associate
at Sax Ballantine.
Which shows up nowhere
in his faculty bio.
Exactly. I called a guy I know
over there.
I clerked with his sister
for Judge Connally.
When Adler was an associate,
he drew second chair...
...on all the big product-liability cases.
Humongous clients.
He gets his shot at one of his own.
Beasley v. Southern Dynamics.
His ticket to partner.
-But he blew it.
-Bigtime.
He cost Southern Dynamics
a treble damage award...
...when it should have been
a slam dunk.
-Did Southern think that?
-Apparently.
They left the firm,
took $8 mil a year with them.
He was forced to resign,
couldn't get arrested at any firm.
The litigators at Sax still refer
to screwups as "laying an Adler."
So he packed his bags
and checked into academia.
-Good work.
-Glad to be of help.
-I'll just leave that for you.
-Thanks.
Ted, line three.
It's about Neil Avedon.
This is Ted Hoffman.
Where?
Thanks for the call.
-Louis buzzed me.
That was Neil's girlfriend.
His phone's been off the hook for
over an hour. We'd better get out there.
Neil?
Neil?
Teddy. Teddy, over here.
Neil! You okay?
Come on, Neil, let's get you over.
There we go. Come on.
-Let's lift you up.
I can't go anywhere.
Hi, Chris.
-Teddy.
-Easy now.
Oh, man, I messed up.
It's okay.
I messed up, man.
-I'll stay with him.
-You sure?
Yeah. He'll be in court tomorrow.
I don't believe it.
Call me if he needs anything.
-Yeah.
-What'd I do, what'd I do?
Neil, can we get a photo?
-You have every right to be mad at me.
-ln here.
Neil, can you make one
quick comment? Mr. Avedon? Neil!
I left here last night,
intending on going straight home.
All I did was stop at the Canyon
Market to get something to eat.
The guy in the deli
won't even look at me.
There's an older woman staring at me
like I'm dirt. I'm in line...
...and there are two girls my age. They
see me, they put down their stuff...
...and they walk out.
I figured, "Screw it."
Went and got a bottle of Scotch,
took it back to my place...
...you know the rest.
I know it's a broken record...
...but I'm sorry.
You're sober now,
and that's what counts.
One day at a time.
Let's go.
l've reviewed the prosecution's exhibits
and affidavits on the defense's motion...
...to dismiss this action. I find them
wholly authentic and dispositive.
Therefore, I'm denying
the defense's motion...
...and excluding the Gerges
Ietter from evidence.
Bailiff, bring the jury in.
Take a deep breath.
We're no worse off
than we were before.
Do I understand you correctly? You think
that by living a promiscuous life...
...Jessica Costello was partially
responsible for her own death?
Yes, I do. But that doesn't mean
I blame her.
Could you explain the distinction?
I'm angry at my own daughter
for living with her boyfriend.
That doesn't mean I think she deserves
any trouble that might come her way.
The People have no challenge
for cause to Mrs. Harris.
Mr. Hoffman?
Mrs. Harris, forgive me
for being personal.
But is your daughter's boyfriend
older than she is?
They're the same age, 18.
-ls he an actor?
-He's a mechanic.
-Do they do drugs together?
-I would hope not.
As would any parent. Thank you.
A moment, judge.
-She gave me all the right answers.
-I think she has an unconscious agenda.
-Convicting Neil teaches her kid a lesson.
-I'm getting the same vibe. Lose her.
Your Honor, the defense exercises
its peremptory as to Mrs. Harris...
...and thanks and excuses her.
The defense realizes it
has no other peremptories?
We do.
You're excused, ma'am.
Thank you for your time.
Ms. Iverson, you write in your
questionnaire that you've heard...
...accounts of Mr. Avedon's
relationship to his family.
ln passing, yes.
Most of those accounts
paint my client...
...as an irresponsible playboy
who abandoned his family, don't they?
Generally, yes.
Would it surprise you that Mr. Avedon
has financially supported his family...
...since he was 15 years old?
Objection, Your Honor.
Counsel's giving character testimony.
I'm trying to determine what she
has read or heard about Mr. Avedon.
I'll allow it. The juror may respond.
I wasn't aware he supports
his family, no.
If we present facts that show
a different picture of Mr. Avedon...
...than in the media...
...would you change
your impression of him?
I don't know.
Are you at least open
to the possibility?
I'm open to anything.
The defense presents
no challenge to Ms. Iverson.
I did write on my questionnaire
that I'm fond of detective novels...
...but that's like working
crossword puzzles for me.
Rest assured that I would confine myself
in my deliberations...
-...to the evidence presented in the case.
-Thank you, professor.
The prosecution has no challenge
to Professor Adler.
Mr. Hoffman?
Before you were a legal scholar,
you were a litigator, is that right?
That was a long time ago.
Did you enjoy trial work?
-Not particularly, no.
-Any special reason?
I simply prefer academia.
Was there any one case that
stands out in your recollection...
...as having had a particularly negative
impact on your career as a litigator?
Objection. Beyond the scope
of voir dire.
If the court will indulge me,
I need to know...
...if the professor harbors
any prejudice towards the system...
...or toward trial lawyers in particular.
I'll allow it, but get to it, Mr. Hoffman.
You were lead counsel in a case by the
name of Beasley v. Southern Dynamics...
-...were you not?
-I was an associate at the time.
-But you tried the case.
Yes.
-How did you do?
-Not very well.
You left the firm very soon
after that case.
That's not why I left.
But your leaving wasn't entirely
voluntary, was it, professor?
-Objection.
Withdrawn.
-Do you ever miss it?
-Never.
It doesn't bother you to be so learned...
...in jurisprudence, and at the same time,
to be outside of it?
I don't consider myself to be outside.
Outside the fray, is what I meant.
What you meant?
I know what you mean.
No, I don't deal with the
life-and-death matters anymore.
I'm not asked to go on TV...
...and talk about the pressing legal
issues of the day the way you are.
Am I suffering because of that? No.
You're good at what you do.
And I'm good at what I do.
-You are, indeed.
I would rather be where I am...
-You are, indeed.
I would rather be where I am...
...and who I am,
than strutting around a courtroom...
...in your $2000 suit,
twisting and obfuscating and distorting...
...facts and logic and common sense,
all to protect a client...
...who, more likely than not,
is also filthy rich and guilty as sin.
It's a game to you, counselor.
lt is not a game to me.
Your Honor, the defense challenges
Professor Adler for cause.
Granted. The court excuses you, sir,
and thanks you for your time.
Do you, and each of you,
understand and agree...
...that you will accurately and truly try
this case now pending before this court...
...and a true verdict
render according only...
...to the evidence presented to you
and the instructions of the court?
I do.
I remind you not to read
or watch anything about this case...
...or to discuss it with
each other or anyone else.
Enjoy the holiday.
The court expects you back here
at 9 a.m. on January 4th...
...for the commencement of trial.
We are adjourned.
-Merry Christmas and happy New Year.
-Same to you, Teddy.
I have a feeling the new year is going
to be a very interesting one, don't you?
Eduardo Portalegre?
The DA just called.
The charges have been dropped.
Nice work.
The girl recanted.
I had nothing to do with it.
-Roberto Portalegre is here.
-Show him in.
Mr. Hoffman. Ms. Gillespie.
I couldn't leave town without
thanking you for helping my son.
Your firm is every bit as effective
as Richard Cross promised.
Actually, the girl is the one
you should thank.
She suddenly and inexplicably refused
to cooperate with the prosecution.
Without her, they have no case.
You saw to it justice was served. May l
continue to call upon you for counsel?
-Of course.
Excellent.
I can find my own way out.
Ms. Gillespie.
If he was gonna pay that girl off
all along, what did he need us for?
Good question.
-Go home, Lisa.
-Okay.
-Merry Christmas.
-Merry Christmas.
Oh, and...
...thanks again for the bonus.
Lisa?
For you.
Please accept these, not as recompense
for my poor behavior the other day...
...l was a boor, but as a token...
...for my respect and esteem for you.
They're beautiful.
And my apologies to you, sir,
for any discourtesy on my part.
-It's Chris, isn't it?
-Yeah.
Chris, sometimes I need
to be reminded...
...that the way a man acts
where I come from...
...crosses a line
in a more refined culture like this one.
I assure you, I meant no slight.
A joyous holiday to both of you.
And health and happiness
in the new year.
Merry Christmas.
And to you.
That was nice of him.
-You didn't buy that phony routine?
-He apologized.
Oh, yeah. All he needed
was a cape and a wind machine.
Oh, stop.
Give me 10 minutes alone
with that greaseball...
...he won't forget his manners
again soon.
Let's not have this conversation.
That's fine by me.
Ooh, pretty.
-Take them home with you.
-Oh, I couldn't.
No, really. I'm going to Hawaii
for the holidays.
Why should they shrivel up in my
apartment when you could enjoy them?
-You sure?
-Absolutely.
Thank you. What part of Hawaii
you going to?
-The Big Island.
-Oh.
Well, you and Chris have a great time.
I know what's up.
I see a lot from this chair.
Relax. I won't say a word.
Okay.
Dad, can we put lights
in the front window?
I don't see why not.
You want to get that, Ted?
Mom, have you ever seen snow
in person?
ln person? Lots of times, honey.
Grandma says maybe
when she gets here...
-...we can drive up to the mountains.
-We have a visitor.
Hi, Mrs. Hoffman.
-Hello.
-You must be Lizzie.
I brought these for all of you.
Thank you.
Well, I just thought I'd drop them by.
Well, I just thought I'd drop them by.
Could Neil help us put the angel
on top of the tree?
I can't stay, Lizzie.
-Merry Christmas.
-Merry Christmas.
-Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas.
Neil?
Why don't you stay
and help us decorate the tree.
-I wouldn't want to intrude.
We'd love to have you.
-Are you sure?
-Yes.
Okay. Thank you.
Wow, look at her.
This is Santa Claus.
Subtitles by
SDl Media Group
OCR extraction
by D.Lauper
face off during jury selection.
Do you understand the concept
of reasonable doubt?
You understand the concept
of circumstantial evidence, don't you?
That if such doubts aren't reasonable,
then you must return a verdict of guilty.
The law requires that when
there are two reasonable inferences...
...to be drawn, you must adopt
the one suggesting innocence.
Neil Avedon's obsessed fan.
--Neil is the one who should be
asking the questions!
ls Holly Gerges capable of doing
what she says she did here?
Absolutely. "Tell your girlfriend
to keep away from you...
...or I'll do what
I did to Jessica."
Her hands fit around Jessica Costello's
throat as easily as anyone else's.
I could show you 100 different ways
where we are 100 percent...
...predestined to be together.
What exactly would you like me to do?
Wait for me outside,
because I'm going to kill your attorney.
-I don't want you to do that, Holly.
-I could make you happy.
Give me the gun.
Holly Gerges died in custody.
No sign of struggle.
What are the actuarials of a woman
in her 30s dropping dead on cue?
If it was a hit,
it was sophisticated.
Ted Hoffman confronts the enemy.
I know what you did, Richard,
even if I'll never be able to prove it.
I know you were involved
in this girl's murder...
...and Dave Blalock's
and Jessica Costello's.
I see through the alibis,
the veils of lies and deception...
...to the sickness at the core
of your being.
The People v. Mr. Neil Avedon.
Good morning. Miriam Grasso
and Mark Washington for the people.
Theodore Hoffman and Chris
Docknovich for Mr. Avedon.
-Defense has a motion?
Yes.
The defense moves this court to
dismiss the charges against Mr. Avedon.
The people oppose.
lncluded in our points and authorities...
...is an authenticated letter
of one Holly Gerges.
...is an authenticated letter
of one Holly Gerges.
lt presents evidence that
she confessed...
...to committing Jessica Costello's
murder. Not my client.
-What about it, Ms. Grasso?
-We contend the late Holly Gerges...
...would've confessed
to killing Marilyn Monroe...
...if she thought it would
favorably influence the defendant.
We therefore are
requesting a postponement...
...to develop information
to support our position.
And to prepare opposing papers.
That's a stalling tactic which
is not only unfair to Mr. Avedon...
...but a waste of the court's time
and the taxpayers' money.
Notwithstanding counsel's
civic concern...
...the people's request
for more time is reasonable.
We're approaching the holiday season,
vacations have us short-staffed.
We could take this up
after the first of the year.
Meanwhile, Mr. Avedon
has a murder charge...
...hanging over his head
that doesn't belong there.
I'm not gonna derail this whole process,
Mr. Hoffman.
I'm setting the hearing after
Christmas recess two weeks from today.
Jury selection will continue
as scheduled...
... resuming tomorrow morning
at 1 O a.m.
What's she waiting for? Why doesn't
she drop the charges against me?
She has to give the DA a chance to
investigate the letter and Holly Gerges.
Oh, man. Two more weeks.
And even then, Neil, it's a long shot.
Like a lottery ticket.
Put it away and forget
about it until the drawing.
Okay, Ted, sure. I will.
Please continue, Mr. Hoffman.
Your questionnaire states you
saw on LAW TV...
...that my client passed a polygraph.
I think it was LAW TV.
Do you understand...
...that polygraph results cannot be used
in a court of law?
...that polygraph results cannot be used
in a court of law?
-Yes.
Notwithstanding that fact...
...have you already made up your mind?
If he can kill, he can lie about it.
Lie detectors are scientific.
You can't fool science.
I think he was telling the truth.
He's an actor, right?
He lies for a living.
The fact that he agreed to take the
test tells me he might be innocent.
And because this is a high-profile case,
with a well-known defendant...
...l have to ask why you
want to be on this jury.
I'm retired, and I'd like to do
something constructive with my time.
I'm just here because I got
that thing in the mail.
This case is so famous,
I feel like I'm a part of history.
Does this mean I have to leave?
I can be fair.
lt says on your questionnaire that you
think Neil Avedon's attorney is mean.
-You are.
Do I have moments...
-...or am I mean all the time?
I saw you on TV, at the--
-...or am I mean all the time?
I saw you on TV, at the--
What do you call it? Preliminary hearing.
You weren't very nice. You were pushy.
If I were representing your brother...
...who was charged with a murder
you knew he didn't commit...
...and the prosecutor wanted
to put him away for life...
...would you want me to be nice?
-That would be different.
How so?
lt'd be my brother.
And you'd want me to be as tough
and aggressive...
...as humanly possible for your
innocent brother, wouldn't you?
-I suppose.
You suppose.
Well, I'm not sure. Maybe.
So in other words,
for the right person, an innocent person...
...my bad manners are permissible?
Maybe I'm wrong, but I think
you might like me better already.
I have three young daughters, myself.
The guy just doesn't set well with me.
Could you be more specific
about your discomfort, sir?
Well, maybe he didn't kill the Costello
girl, but he sure took advantage of her.
-Nothing further.
-Mr. Hoffman?
You have no idea how old or mature
Jessica Costello looked, do you, sir?
The paper runs her picture all the time.
That's her high school class photo.
But you don't know what she looked like
when she was with Avedon, do you?
No, I guess I don't.
Have you read newspaper reports
that say Jessica was a regular patron...
...at clubs that only admit
adults 21 and older?
-Yes.
So can you accept the fact...
...that Neil Avedon may have believed
that Jessica was older than her years?
lt wouldn't be the first time
it happened. Yeah.
Nothing further.
Mr. Switzer, if you remain a juror,
and you're presented with facts...
...that Jessica Costello not only
acted older than her years...
...but also had a dozen sexual partners,
would you be inclined to blame her...
-...for her own death?
-No.
And if you were presented
with facts that she had...
...in excess of 20 sexual partners...
...from whom she may have accepted
gifts or money or cocaine...
...from whom she may have accepted
gifts or money or cocaine...
...would that dispose you to blame
Jessica Costello for her own death?
No, I don't think so.
I sense some ambivalence.
Twenty guys is a lot.
Yes, it is.
Is it too many for you to be fair?
I don't know.
At a certain point, you gotta wonder.
The court thanks and excuses
Mr. Switzer for cause.
-You're a professor of constitutional law?
That is correct.
If you were a part of this jury,
do you think your expertise...
...would have an impact
on the jury during deliberations?
I wouldn't allow that to happen, counsel.
I'm a purist who believes that
there are no experts on juries.
Just 12 dedicated citizens.
You haven't formed any opinion
about this case?
Not yet. Until evidence and testimony
are presented to me...
...how could I possibly have an opinion?
I believe everyone has good
in them. Everybody loses their way.
Does that belief extend to my client?
I don't know.
l've seen you on TV saying he had
nothing to do with that girl's death.
But he was there the night she died.
He had some part in it.
But you don't know he
had some part in it...
...because you haven't heard
any evidence. Is that correct?
That's right.
-The law states that you must...
...presume Mr. Avedon didn't
kill Jessica Costello...
...unless the prosecution
proves differently.
-You understand that, don't you?
-Yes, I got that.
Can you follow the law and
presume Mr. Avedon's innocence?
I have to.
-Sidebar, judge.
-Approach.
The defense challenges
Mrs. Harris for cause.
She said she'd make the presumption
of innocence.
Of course, we're in a public forum.
The truth is she couldn't presume
innocence even if she tried.
I don't see it. If you want her off,
you'll have to exercise a peremptory.
I reserve the right
to come back to her.
Only if something new comes up. I want
this jury seated by Christmas recess.
Step back.
We are in recess until 3:OO.
I bet you spent $200 on that shirt.
Eighty-five. Half-price sale at Fred Segal.
Wait and see what I get
with my Christmas bonus.
-Think we'll get our bonuses today?
We'd better.
I started shopping for a car
Iast weekend.
If history prevails, today's the day.
Ted will pass them out in
the staff meeting, first thing.
-Good afternoon, folks.
Afternoon.
First things first.
We're stacked up on Avedon.
Let's make sure everything else
is covered.
I have all the appeals and motions
under control.
I'm handling your court appearances and
getting continuances where necessary.
Excuse me, Ted. Richard Cross is here.
He'd like a moment.
Shall I put him in your office?
He can wait in the lobby.
I'm fielding client calls. Gary Blondo said
Neil's movie opened to record numbers.
Great. Neil could use good news.
-What did Blondo really want?
-For Neil to do publicity on Deadbolt.
-The answer is no.
Got it.
Studio won't be too pleased.
We just sent them last month's
Iegal services bill.
Money well spent to protect their
investment and his movie. What else?
Leonard Meech wants our
representation before the state bar.
-What's the charge?
-He cut himself in for 300/o...
...of an estate he was representing.
He also commingled the funds with his
business account before the lady died.
Pass. That's Meech's M.O. We don't
need any more bad press right now.
If that's all, we're done.
Oh.
Almost forgot.
Christmas bonuses.
-Merry Christmas.
-Thanks, Ted.
Thanks.
Thank you.
-Thank you, Ted.
-Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas, Ted.
What can I do for you, Richard?
I have an associate,
a very influential man from Brazil.
His son has had some...
...difficulty here in Los Angeles.
...difficulty here in Los Angeles.
I hope that your hard feelings
toward me...
...would not prevent you
from helping someone in need.
So before I talk to him about you...
...l needed to see if you would
indeed take a referral from me.
-What is it?
-The boy's a student at USC.
A co-ed has made an accusation
of date rape.
The kid's young, he's confused,
he's...
...avoiding the issue.
Meaning he's a fugitive from justice.
His father arrives today.
May I send him to you?
-Does he have a name?
-Roberto Portalegre.
Have him call me.
I appreciate this, Teddy.
Very festive. I like it.
Teddy.
Sneaking in the back way again?
-Louis' gifts. You forgot them.
-Oh, thanks.
What did we get for him this year?
A nice collection of stocking
stuffers from Barneys...
-...and a cruise to Mexico.
-lf I can get him to take time off.
Since you brought it up...
...l realize Christmas recess is
your time to prepare for the trial.
I know, I've been thinking about it too.
We're gonna carve out some real time
for the three of us...
...starting with Christmas Eve.
No trial, no Neil Avedon...
...just you, me and Lizzie.
I'd better go before Louis gets back
and realizes there's no Santa Claus.
Did I ever tell you how crazy I am
about you?
Thank you, Santa.
I know we disagree on this, Ted.
But I like what I'm seeing
with Professor Adler.
-He could become your virtual juror.
Who's that?
Your virtual juror is the person who,
in effect...
...is Ted's stand-in with the jury
during deliberations.
I also like this Iverson lady.
Problem is, they read neutral on paper.
Let's see how they do in the room.
Ted, Mr. Portalegre's
here for his 2:OO.
I deposited him in your office.
All right.
-When are we due back in court?
-About an hour. I'll grab you then.
I've got phone calls.
Meet you downstairs.
You okay?
I'll be better when Bornstein
dismisses the case.
Don't get too high and
you won't get too low.
Does this allegation come out of
a relationship or stem from a first date?
Mr. Hoffman, Eduardo's 20 years old.
And you must understand, this charge...
...this preposterous thing,
could never happen to him at home.
A girl wouldn't allow herself
to be alone with a man...
...at 3:OO in the morning, drunk,
unless she wanted sex.
To think, Eduardo's being hunted.
I hope you can help us.
-Where is your son now?
-Somewhere safe.
He'll have to turn himself in.
I don't want him in jail.
I understand,
but this is a serious charge.
If he'll agree to turn himself in,
this firm will take the case.
Then we'll try to work out a deal
for surrender with quick bail.
And then he'll be released?
At least temporarily.
I make no promises.
Understood. Please let me know
when I should bring Eduardo to you.
I will. Pleasure meeting you.
The pleasure is mine, Mr. Hoffman.
Richard wasn't wrong about you.
-What's this?
-Fifty thousand dollars.
Do your best for Eduardo.
I'll send you a bill, Mr. Portalegre.
-I'd appreciate it if you paid by check.
-Of course.
-Chris is in the lobby. Anything?
-I need Lisa right away.
And open a file on Mr. Portalegre.
Have you heard reports
that my client and Jessica...
...engaged in consensual sex, maybe
even on the very night Jessica died?
Yes.
How do you feel about that,
Ms. Iverson?
I don't feel anything about it,
one way or the other.
Does the fact that Neil
is 25 years old and Jessica was only 15...
...cause you to look at Mr. Avedon
in a negative light?
Well, that is quite an age disparity.
Can you be impartial in light of that?
I think so, yes.
Professor Adler...
...does Neil Avedon remind you
of any of your students?
No one in particular.
Not even that rare breed
to whom things seem to come too easily?
No. Not at all.
-Thank you.
Ms. Grasso?
I'd like to return to your comments
on evidence.
-What if a blood sample....
I tell you, he's a keeper.
-He means what he says.
-I don't think he has a problem with me.
But he's got a problem.
Maybe it's me or Miriam or the judge.
Something's wrong.
The one that worries me is Iverson.
She looks right through me.
I'll take another run at her.
And at Adler.
We're not near getting dismissed
for cause on either.
-We're down to three peremptories.
Excuse me.
ls this proceeding
interrupting you people?
Apologies, Your Honor.
If I could clear up a few things,
Ms. Iverson.
You say you work
in the family printing business.
-ls this your husband's company?
-My father's.
-l've never been married.
I see.
Any other siblings?
I have four brothers.
-Do they work in the firm?
No.
-Did they ever?
-No.
You live in the house
you were born in?
I inherited it from my parents.
Do you live alone?
-I'm a single woman. Yes.
Do you live alone?
-I'm a single woman. Yes.
-Thank you. May we have a sidebar?
Approach.
I'll tell you right now,
I don't see a dismissal for cause.
She can't possibly render a fair verdict.
Neil Avedon represents every man
who left her behind.
He's trying to save his peremptories.
Iverson's biased against my client.
Maybe. I can't be sure of that
unless you interview her further.
If I ask her any more personal questions,
and she doesn't reveal her bias...
...she'll never forgive me
or my client.
-Do you want to exercise a peremptory?
-Not at the present time.
-Yeah?
Lisa, Deputy Dr Bronson...
-...returning your call.
-Thanks, Lila.
David, thank you for getting back to me.
I'm representing Eduardo Portalegre.
You have a wanted out on him for rape.
I'd like to get together as soon
as possible and nip this in the bud.
We don't have to hook and jab
about this over the phone.
Why don't you get out your calendar
and we'll set up a time.
Do you have any openings
this afternoon?
So is this your specialty now?
Boy studs who won't
take no for an answer?
How do you know she said no?
Because she told you? Come on.
She presents no visible injuries,
no trauma, you said so yourself.
Well, if it's not a rape,
then why is your guy on the run?
He's a stranger in a strange land.
This is a wobbler, David.
Let's just resolve it
and save everybody grief.
Put something on the table.
Let him self-surrender
on a book and release.
You and I agree, in advance,
on $5000 bail.
He's already on the run.
Twenty grand.
He's coming in, remember?
Let's make it 10...
...he pleads to misdemeanor assault
with a fine, and we call it a day.
And the victim gets to live with
this for the rest of her life?
Uh-uh. No deal. Offer up some time.
-Offer up a case.
-Oh, I will. I promise.
All right.
How about this.
Give me the book and release,
and he posts $10,OOO bail.
That way he surrenders
and you file any way you want.
Deal.
Can't wait to meet him.
My money says there's gonna be
a new suspect...
...which will free Avedon up...
...and I bet Richard Cross
has something to do with it.
Have you followed the court's
admonition since jury selection...
...not to watch or read anything
about the Costello case?
Yes, I have, Your Honor.
Why?
The court needed clarification.
-Please proceed.
-Well, like I said...
...Cross will have something
to do with Avedon getting out.
And you base this theory on what?
Cross put up his bail,
didn't he? Follow the money.
What's forbes say Cross is worth?
Four hundred million?
All in multinational corporations.
Now look at Avedon's new movie.
Could it be any clearer?
I'm afraid, sir, it could.
Avedon's new movie was partly
financed by a Dutch company...
...shot in Canada, to be distributed
by a French corporation.
Follow the money.
-Mm-hm.
-Multinationals. Eurodollars.
The erasure of economic boundaries.
Cross and Avedon are Freemasons.
You're referring to
the fraternal organization?
I am referring, ma'am,
to the secret organization...
...whose goal is a one-bank,
one-government world.
Cross and Avedon are active members.
That's why Avedon slips out.
Because they don't have time
for your little trial.
Oh.
Now I get it. Your Honor?
The court appreciates your insights, sir.
Thank you, you're excused.
Oh, I'm dismissed, is that it?
That's it. The bailiff will see you out.
Fine. The conspiracy continues.
Are you sure this deputy
district attorney can be trusted?
Absolutely. Eduardo will be booked,
printed and bailed out tonight.
Will you be there to make sure
everything goes as planned?
Ms. Gillespie is more than capable.
You can place your full faith
and confidence in her.
Do I have your assurance that
my son won't go to prison?
Nobody could give you that,
Mr. Portalegre.
Eduardo is facing very serious charges.
Then why should I chance
Iosing my son?
Because otherwise he'll remain
a fugitive, and when they catch him...
...he'll face felony charges for fleeing,
and prison will be a near certainty.
You should also know the United States
has an extradition treaty with Brazil.
Eduardo.
I can't thank you enough for your help.
-This has been a difficult experience.
-You're welcome.
-I'll see you tonight.
-Adios.
-I'll see you tonight.
-Adios.
Mr. Hoffman. Ms. Gillespie.
Do you have any questions?
No. I just wanna get this over with.
Follow Ms. Gillespie's instructions,
and we'll speak tomorrow.
Thank you, Mr. Hoffman.
It's all right to feel a little nervous.
It's completely normal.
Do you have a boyfriend?
-Excuse me?
-I see. You don't want to talk about it.
-ls it because of your attraction to me?
-My what?
I assure you, it's mutual.
I hope you're not stupid enough...
...to talk like this in front
of the deputy DA.
Just a second.
-Hey! Don't you ever--
-You were under the mistletoe.
Excuse me. What the hell
do you think you're doing?
You must be the boyfriend.
What's going on?
Nothing. It's a misunderstanding.
-You sure?
-Everything's fine.
We'd better get downtown.
You've had a run-in
with the police, haven't you?
Yeah, last year.
What happened?
Well, me and my friends were
Iooking for a club in Hollywood.
And the police pulled us over.
-Why'd they do that?
They said...
...we fit the description of somebody
who held up a 7-Eleven.
How did that make you feel?
It was no big deal.
They did whatever they had to do
on their radios, and they let us go.
Does that experience lead you
to believe that the police...
...mistakenly arrested Neil Avedon?
Not necessarily.
Despite being detained
for a crime you didn't commit?
They stopped us because we were black.
That doesn't have anything
to do with this case.
-Your Honor, sidebar?
-Approach.
Challenge for cause.
The people's case is based in part
on police investigation.
The juror has an antipathy
for the police.
She just said otherwise.
I agree. You want her out,
Ms. Grasso, exercise a peremptory.
We'll keep her at this time.
Thank you, Your Honor.
What's happening?
Your Honor, one more piece of business.
At this time, the people
are prepared to go forward...
...with the motion to dismiss the case.
I assume you have something new
to present to the court?
Yes, Your Honor, that's correct.
The defense has had no opportunity
to review...
...whatever it is they're putting forth.
We would ask you to retain
the original date for resumption.
We're all here now.
Let's see what they have...
...and we'll take it from there.
Ladies and gentlemen,
the court has some unfinished business.
If you will follow the bailiffs,
we'll see you tomorrow at 9 a.m.
What's going on?
We're resuming the hearing to dismiss.
Two weeks early, which means
they have something.
Ms. Gerges' priors led me to think she
may have been stalking the defendant...
...in the days preceding
Ms. Costello's murder.
I worked back along the defendant's
personal appearances...
-...to establish his whereabouts.
-What did you find?
The defendant was on the
David Letterman show three days...
...before the murder. I requisitioned
Ms. Gerges' credit card receipts...
...and found several charges that placed
her in Manhattan during that taping...
...and subsequently, up to and
including the day of the murder.
Would it refresh your recollection as to
specifics if you could refer to your notes?
Yes, it would.
-Please do so.
Ms. Gerges charged a meal at
Planet Hollywood in New York at 6:18...
...September 20th,
the night of the murder...
...and then attended the 8:OO showing
oq Cats...
...and returned to her hotel, where she
made a long-distance call to Florida...
...from her hotel room
at two minutes after midnight.
Did you take steps to ensure that these
charges were made by Ms. Gerges...
...and not someone else
using her card?
I flew to New York with a photo
of Ms. Gerges.
I interviewed the waiters
at the restaurant...
...an usher at the theater,
and the doorman at her hotel.
-They all positively identified Ms. Gerges.
-Objection. Hearsay.
These are statements from percipient
witnesses who we can fly out here...
...if the court sees fit. Detective Polson
is relating their statements...
-...that they could identify Ms. Gerges.
-I'll allow them.
So your investigation demonstrates,
categorically, that Ms. Gerges...
...could not have been in Los Angeles
to commit Jessica Costello's murder.
-ls that correct, detective?
-That's correct.
Thank you. No further questions.
Exhibits and affidavits...
...supporting Detective Polson's
testimony.
...supporting Detective Polson's
testimony.
Any cross-examination?
We need time to review
these documents, Your Honor.
All right, so does the court.
Detective Polson, you're excused.
I'll rule on this tomorrow morning.
I'm screwed.
Totally, completely screwed.
-Take it easy, Neil.
-Teddy...
...tell me this is gonna be dismissed
after what just happened in there.
You're right.
We can expect her to deny our motion.
-Oh, man.
-It's just one battle in a long campaign.
-Yeah, right.
-You okay?
Oh, I'm terrific.
Why don't you and me
hang out tonight?
No, it's all right. I'll be fine.
Ted? Ted, do you have a minute?
Can I talk to you about something?
Neither Mrs. Harris nor
Ms. Iverson...
...have ever been involved
in a civil or criminal action.
Same for the professor, however,
when I ran a Westlaw search...
...for any cases he might have litigated,
things started popping.
Be advised, the Westlaw fee for this
month will be higher than usual.
Attorney of record, Simon Adler.
He was an associate
at Sax Ballantine.
Which shows up nowhere
in his faculty bio.
Exactly. I called a guy I know
over there.
I clerked with his sister
for Judge Connally.
When Adler was an associate,
he drew second chair...
...on all the big product-liability cases.
Humongous clients.
He gets his shot at one of his own.
Beasley v. Southern Dynamics.
His ticket to partner.
-But he blew it.
-Bigtime.
He cost Southern Dynamics
a treble damage award...
...when it should have been
a slam dunk.
-Did Southern think that?
-Apparently.
They left the firm,
took $8 mil a year with them.
He was forced to resign,
couldn't get arrested at any firm.
The litigators at Sax still refer
to screwups as "laying an Adler."
So he packed his bags
and checked into academia.
-Good work.
-Glad to be of help.
-I'll just leave that for you.
-Thanks.
Ted, line three.
It's about Neil Avedon.
This is Ted Hoffman.
Where?
Thanks for the call.
-Louis buzzed me.
That was Neil's girlfriend.
His phone's been off the hook for
over an hour. We'd better get out there.
Neil?
Neil?
Teddy. Teddy, over here.
Neil! You okay?
Come on, Neil, let's get you over.
There we go. Come on.
-Let's lift you up.
I can't go anywhere.
Hi, Chris.
-Teddy.
-Easy now.
Oh, man, I messed up.
It's okay.
I messed up, man.
-I'll stay with him.
-You sure?
Yeah. He'll be in court tomorrow.
I don't believe it.
Call me if he needs anything.
-Yeah.
-What'd I do, what'd I do?
Neil, can we get a photo?
-You have every right to be mad at me.
-ln here.
Neil, can you make one
quick comment? Mr. Avedon? Neil!
I left here last night,
intending on going straight home.
All I did was stop at the Canyon
Market to get something to eat.
The guy in the deli
won't even look at me.
There's an older woman staring at me
like I'm dirt. I'm in line...
...and there are two girls my age. They
see me, they put down their stuff...
...and they walk out.
I figured, "Screw it."
Went and got a bottle of Scotch,
took it back to my place...
...you know the rest.
I know it's a broken record...
...but I'm sorry.
You're sober now,
and that's what counts.
One day at a time.
Let's go.
l've reviewed the prosecution's exhibits
and affidavits on the defense's motion...
...to dismiss this action. I find them
wholly authentic and dispositive.
Therefore, I'm denying
the defense's motion...
...and excluding the Gerges
Ietter from evidence.
Bailiff, bring the jury in.
Take a deep breath.
We're no worse off
than we were before.
Do I understand you correctly? You think
that by living a promiscuous life...
...Jessica Costello was partially
responsible for her own death?
Yes, I do. But that doesn't mean
I blame her.
Could you explain the distinction?
I'm angry at my own daughter
for living with her boyfriend.
That doesn't mean I think she deserves
any trouble that might come her way.
The People have no challenge
for cause to Mrs. Harris.
Mr. Hoffman?
Mrs. Harris, forgive me
for being personal.
But is your daughter's boyfriend
older than she is?
They're the same age, 18.
-ls he an actor?
-He's a mechanic.
-Do they do drugs together?
-I would hope not.
As would any parent. Thank you.
A moment, judge.
-She gave me all the right answers.
-I think she has an unconscious agenda.
-Convicting Neil teaches her kid a lesson.
-I'm getting the same vibe. Lose her.
Your Honor, the defense exercises
its peremptory as to Mrs. Harris...
...and thanks and excuses her.
The defense realizes it
has no other peremptories?
We do.
You're excused, ma'am.
Thank you for your time.
Ms. Iverson, you write in your
questionnaire that you've heard...
...accounts of Mr. Avedon's
relationship to his family.
ln passing, yes.
Most of those accounts
paint my client...
...as an irresponsible playboy
who abandoned his family, don't they?
Generally, yes.
Would it surprise you that Mr. Avedon
has financially supported his family...
...since he was 15 years old?
Objection, Your Honor.
Counsel's giving character testimony.
I'm trying to determine what she
has read or heard about Mr. Avedon.
I'll allow it. The juror may respond.
I wasn't aware he supports
his family, no.
If we present facts that show
a different picture of Mr. Avedon...
...than in the media...
...would you change
your impression of him?
I don't know.
Are you at least open
to the possibility?
I'm open to anything.
The defense presents
no challenge to Ms. Iverson.
I did write on my questionnaire
that I'm fond of detective novels...
...but that's like working
crossword puzzles for me.
Rest assured that I would confine myself
in my deliberations...
-...to the evidence presented in the case.
-Thank you, professor.
The prosecution has no challenge
to Professor Adler.
Mr. Hoffman?
Before you were a legal scholar,
you were a litigator, is that right?
That was a long time ago.
Did you enjoy trial work?
-Not particularly, no.
-Any special reason?
I simply prefer academia.
Was there any one case that
stands out in your recollection...
...as having had a particularly negative
impact on your career as a litigator?
Objection. Beyond the scope
of voir dire.
If the court will indulge me,
I need to know...
...if the professor harbors
any prejudice towards the system...
...or toward trial lawyers in particular.
I'll allow it, but get to it, Mr. Hoffman.
You were lead counsel in a case by the
name of Beasley v. Southern Dynamics...
-...were you not?
-I was an associate at the time.
-But you tried the case.
Yes.
-How did you do?
-Not very well.
You left the firm very soon
after that case.
That's not why I left.
But your leaving wasn't entirely
voluntary, was it, professor?
-Objection.
Withdrawn.
-Do you ever miss it?
-Never.
It doesn't bother you to be so learned...
...in jurisprudence, and at the same time,
to be outside of it?
I don't consider myself to be outside.
Outside the fray, is what I meant.
What you meant?
I know what you mean.
No, I don't deal with the
life-and-death matters anymore.
I'm not asked to go on TV...
...and talk about the pressing legal
issues of the day the way you are.
Am I suffering because of that? No.
You're good at what you do.
And I'm good at what I do.
-You are, indeed.
I would rather be where I am...
-You are, indeed.
I would rather be where I am...
...and who I am,
than strutting around a courtroom...
...in your $2000 suit,
twisting and obfuscating and distorting...
...facts and logic and common sense,
all to protect a client...
...who, more likely than not,
is also filthy rich and guilty as sin.
It's a game to you, counselor.
lt is not a game to me.
Your Honor, the defense challenges
Professor Adler for cause.
Granted. The court excuses you, sir,
and thanks you for your time.
Do you, and each of you,
understand and agree...
...that you will accurately and truly try
this case now pending before this court...
...and a true verdict
render according only...
...to the evidence presented to you
and the instructions of the court?
I do.
I remind you not to read
or watch anything about this case...
...or to discuss it with
each other or anyone else.
Enjoy the holiday.
The court expects you back here
at 9 a.m. on January 4th...
...for the commencement of trial.
We are adjourned.
-Merry Christmas and happy New Year.
-Same to you, Teddy.
I have a feeling the new year is going
to be a very interesting one, don't you?
Eduardo Portalegre?
The DA just called.
The charges have been dropped.
Nice work.
The girl recanted.
I had nothing to do with it.
-Roberto Portalegre is here.
-Show him in.
Mr. Hoffman. Ms. Gillespie.
I couldn't leave town without
thanking you for helping my son.
Your firm is every bit as effective
as Richard Cross promised.
Actually, the girl is the one
you should thank.
She suddenly and inexplicably refused
to cooperate with the prosecution.
Without her, they have no case.
You saw to it justice was served. May l
continue to call upon you for counsel?
-Of course.
Excellent.
I can find my own way out.
Ms. Gillespie.
If he was gonna pay that girl off
all along, what did he need us for?
Good question.
-Go home, Lisa.
-Okay.
-Merry Christmas.
-Merry Christmas.
Oh, and...
...thanks again for the bonus.
Lisa?
For you.
Please accept these, not as recompense
for my poor behavior the other day...
...l was a boor, but as a token...
...for my respect and esteem for you.
They're beautiful.
And my apologies to you, sir,
for any discourtesy on my part.
-It's Chris, isn't it?
-Yeah.
Chris, sometimes I need
to be reminded...
...that the way a man acts
where I come from...
...crosses a line
in a more refined culture like this one.
I assure you, I meant no slight.
A joyous holiday to both of you.
And health and happiness
in the new year.
Merry Christmas.
And to you.
That was nice of him.
-You didn't buy that phony routine?
-He apologized.
Oh, yeah. All he needed
was a cape and a wind machine.
Oh, stop.
Give me 10 minutes alone
with that greaseball...
...he won't forget his manners
again soon.
Let's not have this conversation.
That's fine by me.
Ooh, pretty.
-Take them home with you.
-Oh, I couldn't.
No, really. I'm going to Hawaii
for the holidays.
Why should they shrivel up in my
apartment when you could enjoy them?
-You sure?
-Absolutely.
Thank you. What part of Hawaii
you going to?
-The Big Island.
-Oh.
Well, you and Chris have a great time.
I know what's up.
I see a lot from this chair.
Relax. I won't say a word.
Okay.
Dad, can we put lights
in the front window?
I don't see why not.
You want to get that, Ted?
Mom, have you ever seen snow
in person?
ln person? Lots of times, honey.
Grandma says maybe
when she gets here...
-...we can drive up to the mountains.
-We have a visitor.
Hi, Mrs. Hoffman.
-Hello.
-You must be Lizzie.
I brought these for all of you.
Thank you.
Well, I just thought I'd drop them by.
Well, I just thought I'd drop them by.
Could Neil help us put the angel
on top of the tree?
I can't stay, Lizzie.
-Merry Christmas.
-Merry Christmas.
-Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas.
Neil?
Why don't you stay
and help us decorate the tree.
-I wouldn't want to intrude.
We'd love to have you.
-Are you sure?
-Yes.
Okay. Thank you.
Wow, look at her.
This is Santa Claus.
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