The Practice (1997–2004): Season 6, Episode 13 - Judge Knot - full transcript

FLEMING: Back then,
I was sharp enough

to stick in the ground

and green enough to grow.

(audience laughs)

FLEMING: I said yes
to everything.

So they had me, you see.

There was nothing I could do.

At this point in my career,

I was just an overworked
prosecutor grunt.

You know the feeling?

Now this is long,
long before I became



the esteemed
Chief Judge Fleming,

winner of the State Bar
Association's

Lifetime Achievement Award,

I'll take that.

(crowd applauding)

FLEMING: Am I being
humble enough?

No, no, in fact,

I am quite honored.

I'm sorry.

DONNELL: You emptied
the four bottles at your table?

Practically by myself.

Just a bunch of sippers.

HATCHER: Hey, do you guys
have some gift bags over there?

Lucy, I said
you could have mine.



Hey...

firm springs for a table
and nobody invites me?

Shh.

Oh, that's right,
Judge Fleming.

I forgot what a big deal
he was to you.

You know, I like him
even better off the bench.

I'm just trying to listen.

FLEMING: This is the room
that would be perfect

for his office.

Now, mind you,

it's the middle of the summer,

but here I am

helping the Chief Justice
of the United States

move furniture.

I'm sweating buckets.

I mean, I'm pushing this--
I'm talking huge...

Let's talk about Cassell.

Um, tomorrow in court.

Now, I know you think

the Cassell case hinges
on consent, but--

You're in no shape

to argue this tonight,
counselor.

FRUTT: Can you two
take it outside?

Very good idea.

Bob...

your client is a bad man.

He deserves to be in jail.

I'm not letting him
back out on the street.

Maybe not, but you're gonna
buy me a new tie.

I mean it.

I can see that. Shh.

You're not taking me seriously.

This is gonna go to trial,

and, buddy, I'm gonna win.

Ah! Oh!

(laughing)

(music playing)

GAMBLE: At which time
you arrived

at the defendant's house?

CHEN: Yes. Correct.

Now, Officer Chen,

can you describe
what transpired?

I knocked on the door,
announced my presence.

And Cassell's
girlfriend answered,

said he wasn't home.

I requested permission
to search the premises,

and she--the girlfriend,
granted my request.

I did a protective sweep
of the common area,

then I heard someone

talking down the hall.

And at that point...

I approached the room
with my weapon drawn,

pushed open the door,
and entered.

Was anyone inside?

No, it was the TV.

"politically incorrect."

but right there in the corner

in plain sight
was a box filled

with plastic-wrapped bricks

of what appeared to be
narcotics--cocaine.

You say you heard
the television.

I heard someone talking.

I thought it might be
the defendant.

Did you hear anything else,
a band playing,

laughter from an audience?
Just talking.

You opened the door,
and this is where you saw

the television.

No, it turned out to be coming

from the next room.

DONNELL: So there was no talking

from this room after all?

No.

DONNELL: And yet you still
saw fit to enter the room

and continue your search?

The box was right there.

DONNELL: And you say
it was Mr. Cassell's girlfriend

who consented
to your search?

That's right.

Where is the girlfriend?

I would think she'd be here.

She hasn't come forward.

We can't find her.

No further questions,
Your Honor.

The witness may step down.

Your Honor, move to suppress
due to the fact that my client

was denied his fourth
amendment rights.

Officer Chen had no right
to search the--

Your Honor,
Officer Chen relied

on the girlfriend's
apparent authority to consent.

We deny the girlfriend
ever gave consent.

It's hearsay. We don't stipulate
it ever happened.

Furthermore, Officer Chen's
account of discovering the drugs

is riddled
with contradictions.

GAMBLE: Not true, Your Honor.

Officer Chen testified
he heard talking.

DONNER: He heard the television.

And not even
from the room in question.

GAMBLE: Regardless,
the search of the room

was part
of a protective sweep.

Once inside, the evidence
was in plain sight.

Fruit of the poisonous tree.

The fact of the matter is--

FLEMING: Thank you, counsel.
Well argued.

The line between issues
of fact and law here

is a hazy one, is it not?

Your Honor, if I may?

Just speaking
rhetorically, counselor,

if you'll allow me to continue.

I must say,

I'm not entirely certain

that a ruling

would even be appropriate
at this juncture

without the benefit
of additional evidence

that might arise at trial.

I think we could all benefit

from more time.

But the defendant is entitled
to a speedy trial,

and a speedy trial
he shall get.

Accordingly, I'll reserve
my ruling on this matter

while allowing the trial
to go forward.

The clerk will set a date
for jury selection.

We're adjourned.
(gavel bangs)

Your Honor--

Thank you, counsel.

(knocking)

Yeah?

MITCHELL: Helen gamble?

GAMBLE: Yes.

Greg Mitchell,
U. S. Attorney's office.

You guys recruiting
door-to-door these days?

It's my understanding
Judge Fleming

left the ball in the air
this morning.

You never know
with these suppression issues.

Since when does the U.S.
Attorney's office

take an interest in a state
possession case?

Actually, I can think
of a couple dozen federal cases

we'd like to pawn off on you.

What's this about?

Ms. Gamble,

how well do you know
Judge Fleming?

I've appeared before him
a number of times.

When he was a D. A.,
we all sat in on his trials.

In fact, I was at a dinner
last night honoring--

MITCHELL: We have reason
to believe

Judge Fleming has been
accepting bribes.

Charles Fleming?

Come on.

Now, in this case
that you're handling,

he might eventually admit
the evidence to compensate

for his recent spate
of suppressions and acquittal,

and to check any attention

he might have already
drawn to himself.

And he may admit the evidence

because I established
a valid reason for him to do so.

MITCHELL: Well, with all
due respect, we don't think so.

By reserving his ruling,

he is sending a message

that he is open for a bribe.

This has been his M. O.

in over a dozen cases
that we've reviewed.

It never occurred to you
that he may just prefer

not to make impulsive decisions
from the bench?

We have a witness.

We have a federal prisoner

who's looking to reduce
his sentence

on a robbery conviction.

Well, that's reliable.

MITCHELL: This prisoner says
in a previous case,

his lawyer paid
Judge Fleming five grand

for an acquittal.

And we have evidence
of similar payoffs.

The Department of Justices
been looking at this case

for over eight months.

Have you approached any
of the attorneys in those cases,

spoken with anyone upstairs?

No, we're concerned
with tipping off the Judge.

We prefer in these matters
to handle this through a sting.

We create a case,
and then we assign an attorney

who we think
might be involved.

Is that what this is?

You want me to prosecute
a fabricated case?

Actually, Ms. Gamble,

you already are.

DONNELL: What's going on?

Cassell,
what are you doing here?

GAMBLE: Bobby, it's okay.

DONNELL: Like hell it is.

You can't meet with my client
without my approval.

Greg Mitchell, A-USA.

And this is
Agent Donnegan,

FBI.

How you doing, Mr. Donnell?

You're a Fed?

GAMBLE: Same
with my idiot cop, Chen.

I had no idea.

What is this?!

We think Judge Fleming
is on the take.

We've been observing him
for some time now,

and we plan to bring him down
with this trial.

Get out of my office.

You have a very impressive
track record

in front of Judge Fleming.

You think I'm somehow
in on this?

We were suspicious,

but based on your interactions

with Agent Donnegan,

we're no longer targeting you.

You're off the hook.

It's official.

Are you involved in this?!

What? Bobby, no.

I tried to shut this down.

Look, I think
you should at least listen.

MITCHELL: We want you
to offer Judge Fleming a bribe.

Forget it.

Bobby--

can I call you Bobby?

Bobby, you're missing
the bigger picture here.

The office of U. S. Attorney

and the grand jury

have invested
a great deal time and money

in this investigation,

and your cooperation
would greatly valued.

But your failure
to cooperate,

well, that would create
a problem.

And I think
you can appreciate

that we will do everything
that we can

to get you to cooperate.

Are you threatening me?

MITCHELL:
No, I'm stating a fact.

And the fact is that you
may well find yourself--

and this firm

conflicted out of all
superior-court cases

until this investigation
is completed.

And who knows
how long that'll take

without your cooperation

So, if you want
to stay in business,

you're gonna do
whatever we say.

BERLUTI:
What if Fleming's clean?

You offer him a bribe,
he tells you to take a walk.

Now he thinks you're dirty.

FRUTT: Helen would not let Bobby
take the fall.

They'll just have
to suck it up,

tell the Judge
they made a mistake

and that they forced Bobby
to participate.

Fleming is very popular,
and Judges talk.

And there's nothing to stop him
from turning every Judge

on the state
and federal bench

against us.

All our careers
could be over.

FRUTT: If Fleming is dirty

which is doubtful

his friends
are going to resent us

for bringing him down.

Count on it.

WASHINGTON: Don't you think
the majority would be outraged

if he is on the take?

Wouldn't they be glad
we got him?

You're kidding yourself,
Rebecca.

Operation Graylord
in Chicago?

Judges got busted,

and most of the people
who wore the wires

ended up pariahs.

Because they'd been
on the take

and only set up others
to save themselves.

YOUNG: People will assume
the same about us.

DONNELL: Look...

obviously,
I don't wanna do this.

I agree,
the risk is tremendous.

But I just wonder
if angering the U. S. Attorney

isn't a bigger risk.

Lindsay...

My first jury trial
was in front of Fleming.

It lasted three months.

He was fair, considerate,
more than competent.

I came to like
and admire him very much.

He remains the best Judge
I have ever appeared before.

He has his share
of believers.

I'm one of them, Lindsay.

You can't do this.

Don't let Mitchell use you
like this, or use us.

We're not doing
anything wrong.

I'm not so sure
that matters.

He better be guilty.

This is just like
"Donny Brasco."

Lucy, do you mind?

Actually, Brasco was FBI.

How amazing
was Johnny Depp?

Johnny Depp is an actor.

The real Donnie Brasco
was amazing.

You knew him?!

Can we get on with this?

MITCHELL: Fleming is gonna need
a signal that you want a deal.

So the first thing that you do
in court this morning

is you wave the jury
and you request a bench trial.

I'll have to consult
with my client.

This is how
most defense attorney

seem to be
approaching the Judge.

It shows that you're willing
to put your fate in his hand.

AGENT: Okay. Say something.

You're pissing me off.

Perfect.

Okay, you can button up.

Keep this in your pocket.

When you're ready to record,

click it once
and you're rolling.

DONNELL: How am I getting
through security wearing this?

MITCHELL: You walk through
the detector carrying your keys.

We're gonna have
someone stationed there.

And when the alarm goes off,

you just do what you're told,
and you'll be fine.

(music playing)

(metal detector beeps)

Empty your pockets, please.

Step back through.

(metal detector beeps)

Spread your arms.

GUARD: You take him over there.

Oh, okay.

Spread your arms, sir.

Appreciate it,
you're all set.

Mr. Donnell.

All rise.

BAILIFF: Be seated.

Good morning.

Your honor.

Morning.

You'll forgive my impropriety.

It's a cold one today.

All right, then...

in the matter
of the Commonwealth vs. Cassell,

if there are no
further motions in limine,

I believe we are ready
to begin jury selection.

In regards
to voir dire, counsel,

as you may know,
I typically ta--

Your Honor, if I may?

You have a lot to add these days
it seems, Mr. Donnell.

Actually, my client

has decided to wave a jury

and request a bench trial.

Mr. Cassell...

Mr. Cassell, you understand
that once you wave this right,

the decision cannot be undone.

Your fate will rest
in my hands alone.

Yes, sir.

Ms. Gamble, the Commonwealth
is equally entitled

to try its case before a jury.

Do you have any objection
to Mr. Cassell's waver request?

No, Your Honor,
we're amenable.

Very well then.

We'll begin with opening
statements after lunch.

Until then,

we're in recess.

You hating this
as much as me?

More.

Not possible.
Trust me.

Can I?

Trust you, I mean?

I don't know
who to believe anymore.

Who are the good guys?
Who are the bad?

It was a lot easier when they
all wore black-and-white hats.

I mean, first we give Fleming
a lifetime achievement award,

now we're trying to crack him
over the head with it.

Oh, and by the way,

sorry for pulling you
onto the floor.

Anytime.

(door closes)

(sighs)

Judge.

Mr. Donnell.

Did you enjoy your dinner
the other night?

Oh, very much so.

Very much.

Rumor has it that you're up
for a circuit appointment.

I learned a long time ago

not to put
too much stock in rumors.

You'd be wise
to do the same.

Of course,
I'm not complaining.

It's nice to know
there are people out there

taking the rumor seriously.

I suppose it is.

Judge...

I've been weighing my options

in the case before you,
and, well...

to be candid,
the D. A.'s offered a deal,

a somewhat reasonable deal
in my opinion.

I don't know
if it's the right...

Mr. Donnell,
are you asking me

to handicap
this case for you?

Thinking out loud,
Your Honor.

Well, keep it
to yourself next time.

That way our pleasant chat

won't seem more like a highly

improper ex parte discussion.

Judge, I had no intention--

we're done!

Damn it!

DONNELL: The man cut me off
way before I even got close

to a bribe.

He berated me for initiating

an ex parte discussion.

MITCHELL: I know, I heard,
I was listening.

He is testing you.

I don't buy that,
all right?

I was there.

GAMBLE: Look,
this is a mistake.

This man has done
nothing improper in this case.

Every ruling, every word
out of his mouth,

has a legitimate explanation.

Look, it's understandable
that the two of you are nervous.

It is normal
in an undercover--

I'm getting out,
and you should do the same.

Bobby, It is not that simple!

No, it's very simple.

As soon as Fleming
takes the bench,

Helen will announce
that a deal has been made,

and the case
will be dismissed.

Nobody's announcing anything!

If you don't do it,
I'll do it for you!

I cannot allow that, Bobby.

You son of a bitch!!

You come in here
with complete disregard

for what we do
day in and day out.

And all you're really aiming for
is some high-profile case

so you'll get
the most ink in the press,

get the most bang
for your buck.

That's right.

DONNELL: Just so you can
let everyone know

you're a big shot
doing your job,

and we can all
sleep safe at night.

Judge Fleming
is the most important

and influential jurist
in your district.

He's supposed to stand
for all that is right,

and he is a crook!

I don't know that,

and I will not help you entrap
an innocent Judge.

Bobby, let me remind you

that there will be major
repercussions

if you jeopardize
this investigation.

I suggest you make
this case go away quietly...

because I am done.

(door closes)

Uh, Mr. Donnell?

Walter Cates--
Judge Fleming's clerk?

Yes, right, of course,
I'm sorry.

I'm on my way
to the courtroom now.

Actually, the Judge would like
to see you in chambers.

You know, I need to check
with my firm,

and I don't want to delay
our afternoon session.

Would you ask the Judge
if he could see me

at the end of the day?

Judge Fleming would like
to see you now.

Of course.

Judge?

You asked to see me?

Thank you, Walter.

You ever read any of this
fella's work?

Can't say that I have.

FLEMING: Believes the only way
true justice can be built

is if it's built
on a foundation

of a single,
shared worldview.

Pretty radical stuff.

I got the book as a gift,

so I suppose
it doesn't much matter

I won't be finishing it.

I know we all go through
the security mill out there,

but you can never be sure

who'll try to sneak what
in these days,

so you don't mind if I see
for myself, do you, counselor?

No. Of course not.

Fine. Thank you.

You'll learn to be careful, too,
Mr. Donnell.

You never know
who's listening.

In the courtroom...

in the public restroom...

Yes, sir.

So, what was it you wanted?

I'm not quite sure.

Have a seat, Bobby.

Relax.

I've hung my judicial robes
at the door.

We're simply two men
having a conversation.

Earlier you referred
to a deal

proffered by the assistant D. A.

What exactly
are we talking about?

Three years.

FLEMING: I see.

And how does that sound
to your client?

He'd prefer less.

(chuckling) Touché.

Touché.

Which brings you to me,
is that right?

You'd like to make a deal, too.

If possible, Your Honor,
yes, I would.

$10,000.

I'll need time
to get the money together.

Yes, well,
I have no intention

of sitting through
an entire trial

when I already
know the result.

If we're doing this,
we do it today.

You can have an hour.

I think I can make that happen.

Then I think
you've got an acquittal.

Bobby?

You want this book?

It's yours for the taking
if you like.

Thanks anyway.

He made the offer.

And you didn't have
the wire.

I'm lucky I didn't,
he patted down.

Why couldn't
you have stalled?

I tried, he insisted
I see him immediately.

All right, never mind.

So what happened?

Was he specific?

He wants 10 grand
in an hour.

the clerk told me
to call him when I'm ready.

He's aware
of the arrangement?

It seems.

We're on.

Let's go.

Walter, Bobby Donnell.

I'm approaching the building.

Are we clear?

Hello? Good.

What's he waiting for?

AGENT: This guy's killing me.

Come on, already.

MITCHELL: There he goes,
there he goes.

GAMBLE: I don't believe this.

MITCHELL: Get that old man
out of there.

GAMBLE: Nice work, Walter.

BAILIFF: Be seated.

We meet again.

In the matter of
the Commonwealth vs. Cassell--

Your Honor,
in light of the jury waver

and in the interest
of expediency,

the Commonwealth is prepared
to forego its opening statement

and move forward
with its first witness.

The gesture is appreciated,
counselor.

Appreciated,
and yet as circumstance

would have it unnecessary.

I'm sorry?

Over lunch,
I had the opportunity

to sink my teeth into the issues
raised by counsel

in relation to the defendant's
motion to suppress.

And having been designated
the sole fact-finder,

my stated concerns
about the intertwining

of fact and law

are now moot.

I am prepared to rule.

I see.

After extended consideration
of the testimony

and applicable case law,

it is my conclusion
that the state's

procurement
of the narcotics resulted

from a search that improperly
exceeded the parameters

of the fourth amendment.

And while it pains me greatly

to bar the introduction
of such plainly

incriminating evidence,

the state's infringement
of the rights

of the defendant
leaves me no other option.

The motion to suppress
is therefore granted.

Your Honor...

the defendant moves
for dismissal

of all charges.

Ms. Gamble,
read my written ruling.

I don't see
any way around this.

The prosecution places

its objection on the record.

Very well then.

Noted.

The case is dismissed.

Okay, let's go.

Judge Charles Fleming?

What's going on?

Federal Bureau
of Investigation.

FLEMING: This is my courtroom.

How dare you come in here
like this?

AGENT: Judge Fleming,
you're under arrest.

What are you talking about?

You don't have any authority.

What is happening?

You're under arrest

for accepting bribes,

extortion,

obstruction of justice,

and racketeering
under title 8 USC, Section 1962.

You have the right
to remain silent.

Anything you say can
and will be used against you.

You have the right
to an attorney.

If you cannot afford one,
an attorney

will be appointed for you.

REPORTER: Are you guilty
of the bribery charges?

Can we have a comment?

(overlapping chatter)

REPORTER: Can we have
a comment, please?

Please. A comment?

How much money
is involved?

How much money
are we talking about?

JUDGE: And with reference
to the remaining counts,

How does
the defendant plead?

ANDERSON: My client pleads
not guilty

to each and every
one of those charges

as well, Your Honor.

JUDGE: Very well.

The court will schedule
a preliminary hearing

for one week from today.

ANDERSON:
In the interim, we request

that Judge Fleming be released

on his own recognizance.

MITCHELL:
The prosecution believes

that the defendant poses
a flight risk.

ANDERSON:
Your Honor, Judge Fleming

is a highly respected jurist.

MITCHELL: Furthermore,
due to the nature

of the allegations,

there is also
the very real potential

for witness tampering.
Your Honor--

MITCHELL: The government
accordingly requests

that the defendant be held
without bail.

Your Honor,
I'll ignore the fact

that pretrial detention
is not meant to be a punishment.

But proposing incarceration
after arresting my client

without even the flimsiest
of evidence is unconscionable.

MITCHELL: This arraignment
is not the time

to debate this case.

I will remind defense counsel

that we have a witness

who will testify
to the Judge's solicitation

as well as a videotape
of the money drop.

JUDGE: Gentlemen, please.

Let's bring this down
a few notches, shall we?

Mr. Anderson.

Judge Fleming appears nowhere
on this videotape,

and there's no reason
to believe he was involved

in any alleged scheme
in any way.

MITCHELL:
Your Honor, as I said,

these are issues
to be raised at trial.

This already shaky case,

where there is no audio
or video documentation

of my client's involvement,

is based on the highly
questionable testimony

of one man,
Attorney Bobby Donnell.

MITCHELL: I have to object.
ANDERSON: Bobby Donnell,

the prosecution's only witness,

was charged with the passing
of information

from the D. A.'s office

that resulted in the deaths
of two police officers.

He was also charged
with the murder

of a third man William Hinks.

MITCHELL: Mr. Donnell
was cleared of any wrongdoing

in both cases, Your Honor.

Are we to believe anything
that Mr. Donnell says?

In fact, I have it
on authority

that the very reason
Mr. Donnell was chosen

to try to pull off

this alleged sting operation

in the first place...

we are not here to talk--

Mr. Mitchell,

be grateful I am not
exposing all

of your so-called witness's
well-documented exploits,

both in and out
of the courtroom.

But for reasons
of this hearing,

is Judge Fleming
a flight risk? No.

Does he present a danger
to the community?

Certainly not.

Your Honor, all I ask

is that you consider
the merits of this case

before denying his liberty.

Mr. Donnell is not
the kind of person

this great country's
Department of Justice

should be relying on
in its search for truth.

The people certainly deserve

better than Bobby Donnell.

The defendant will surrender
his passport

to the clerk of the court.

Bail is set at $25,000.

GAMBLE: Have you seen
where Bobby went?

I didn't notice, no.

Now, I'll be honest.

In the end,
it's worth all the trouble,

don't you think?

What are you talking about?

We got him.

Got him?

You haven't gone to trial.

No, we probably won't.

Most likely
Fleming will plead.

He'll resign
from the bench,

He'll serve maybe three years,

and get probation for two.

Look...

Anderson just hung Bobby out

to dry in there.

You plead this out,
you'll give everyone

the impression
the Feds can't build a case

on Bobby's testimony.

We probably can't.

Then why did you involve him
in the first place?

He was our best shot at making
this investigation a success.

No matter what the cost.

MITCHELL: Look, I have to decide
if I can win this case.

The clerk's not talking,

and Donnell simply lacks
credibility.

Now, we have limited resources

and I'm not about
to spend them

on some long,
expensive trial

just to see that Fleming
winds up in jail.

He's off the bench.

He's gone.

That's all that matters.

GAMBLE: Let me talk
to Fleming.

I'll be the good cop.

He knows me.

There's got
to be more there.

Look, it's the least
you can do

after coming in here

and making such a mess.

I don't know
the purpose of this.

My client maintains
his innocence.

We have nothing
to offer.

Your honor...

you're not the real target

of the government's
investigation.

They're simply looking
for a way in.

They still need to know

how many others were involved
in the scheme.

Helen,

don't treat me
like a child.

And let's not waste any time
discussing a scheme.

There was no scheme.

If you reveal the attorneys
who participated,

the Department of Justice

will make you
a reasonable offer.

Please.

Consider taking
advantage of this.

You can help yourself here.

ANDERSON: He'll help himself

by seeing this through to trial.

(knocks on door)

ANDERSON: Do you honestly
expect to prove this

beyond a reasonable doubt?

On what basis?

Bobby Donnell's testimony?

If we could have
just another minute,

I think we can make
some progress here.

(door opens)

(music playing)

Your Honor...

I'm--I'm so sorry.

Get him out of here.

(music playing)

MITCHELL: Sir?

Mr. Fleming?

I need time to consult
with my client.

(music playing)

Hey.

I got a call from a friend
who sits federal court,

so I know what happened.

It's a big deal,

about Fleming, of course,

but also about Bobby
getting lynched by Anderson.

I came by to see
how he's doing.

He's in his office.

He won't talk.

Well, that's Bobby.

Yeah.

That's Bobby.

Yeah, I should have been
at the arraignment,

but I've been up
to my neck with work,

and Judge Fleming
is someone I admired,

so out of respect...

Bobby didn't
want me there.

Did he say that?

Oh, come on, Helen.

Bobby can make his point
perfectly clear

without saying
a word.

GAMBLE: Lindsay, I hope you know

this isn't about Bobby
shutting you out.

I think he--

when he's up
against his demons,

he'd rather
battle them alone.

I happen to be along
for the ride on this one.

I'm glad you can be there
for him.

(telephone rings)

Donnell, Young,
Dole, and Frutt.

Yeah, sure.

It's your office.

Hello?

I'll be right over.

Judge Fleming
and his attorneys

are requesting a meeting.

Looks like they're ready
to make a deal.

Let me say at the outset,

I am still far
from convinced

you have enough evidence
for conviction.

But to avoid the mud

of a media-saturated trial,

Judge Fleming may be willing

to assist
your investigation.

May be?

ANDERSON:
We're not rolling over here.

Unless the deal
is more than fair,

the judge is prepared
to go to trial.

We have the clerk's
testimony.

Continue, Mr. Anderson.

In exchange
for Judge Fleming's

full cooperation,

we expect the government
to drop both the Rico

and the Hobbs Act counts.

That's the entire federal case.

ANDERSON: You still have
state-based fraud--

five years.

My client serves three.

MITCHELL : Well, that would be
a hell of a deal...

for you.

That's what we want.

I'm certainly not
committing to that.

In addition,
we're prepared

to provide
detailed records

maintained by Judge Fleming

over a period of 6 years.

The records implicate
15 attorneys.

I suspect we'll be able
to work something out.

Is it possible
you're deriving satisfaction

from all of this, Helen?

No, Your Honor.
I am not.

In all the times you have
appeared before me,

I think you know
that I've been an evenhanded,

decent, if not humane, jurist.

For nearly 30 years,

my job, my charge

has been to make reasoned,

dispassionate decisions.

And that is what I have done.

Always.

Imperfect, I will admit
that I may have overstepped

my boundaries.

But it was not as you suggest,

Mr. Mitchell,

a matter of craven desire.

On those occasions
when I was approached

for a favor,

I would not, did not,

allow a lesser argument
to triumph over a better one.

Wrong must never win
by technicality.

Now, then,

I have done nothing illicit.

What I did do was expedite cases

that came before me.

If I benefited from such,

well, then, so be it.

This is not about
expediting anything.

Wisdom is justified
by her children, Mr. Mitchell.

Look at my record.

Listen to what my colleagues

have to say about me.

You are in no position to judge.

From what I have seen
on the bench,

ill-prepared,

uncommitted,

addled attorneys

who fall asleep at trial,

who are unable to prepare
an articulate brief

are these the ones best suited
to mete out justice?

I've devoted my life
to being a judge.

And though the courtroom be
an adversarial arena,

I am more than a referee, sir.

More than a linesman.

I am the game.

Well, at any rate...

I suppose this gives you
great bragging rights

with the rest of the politicos

in your office.

Forgive me, your honor.

You being here has nothing

to do with me
or Bobby Donnell.

The only thing I have derived

from my participation

is a profound sadness.

I watched and learned
from you, sir.

It appears
that chapter is closed.

You have cast out
the dirty judge.

Justice is restored.

So there it is.

Here's the list of names.

No one has reviewed it,

not even my attorney.

Let the blood bath begin.

(chuckles)

Clever.

(gunshot)

(music playing)

He was very...

(sighs)

It's as if there was no doubt
in his mind.

This was his way out.

He could have
started over.

Uh-hmm.

I think that's probably
what frightened him.

Nobody can really
start over, can they?

I'm sorry
you had to be there.

Yeah.

After it happened,
it was a madhouse...

between the cops
and paramedics.

I came right up here
and called you.

I didn't know
what else to do.

I'm glad you did.

How are you doing?

This...

today was a really
lousy day.

Yeah.

(music playing)

Your wife's worried
about you.

She's always worried
about me.

You'll be okay tonight?

Yes.

Bobby...

in all the confusion

before Mitchell took
Fleming's file,

I had a chance
to look through it.

I actually removed a folder.

That--that bastard.

Are you accusing me
of something?

Of course not.

This is bogus, Helen.

Fleming was trying
to get even.

By the time
I clear my name,

he will have succeeded.

That bastard.

Thanks for warning me.

Okay.

(door closes)

(music playing)

DONNELL:
Next on The Practice.

My husband had
a mental breakdown.

I'm sorry.

He's schizophrenic.

Tell me how I can help.

Bill's being sued, Jimmy.

Bill Munce was my friend.

He used to pushed me.

about going
to law school.

These people got
nobody else to turn to.

One day.

That's all you get.

I wish I could say
he's improving,

but he's not.

It's important
that you respect

his reality.

Jimmy.

Bill.

(music playing)

You stinker!