The Practice (1997–2004): Season 8, Episode 3 - Cause of Action - full transcript
STRINGER: Previously on
"The Practice"...
Assuming you do hear
God's thoughts,
persuading a jury
of that reality
will be difficult for me.
I had the highest
winning percentage
of any litigator
in my firm.
They had no right
to fire me.
You can't be willing
to take this to trial.
Oh, but we can.
She was terminated
for her disability.
That's against the law.
She will be publicly
revealed as a loon,
which you are, Sheila.
SHORE: Listen, I need to meet
with your doctors tomorrow.
I have no doctors.
You're not being treated
by anybody?
CARLISLE: Why should I be?
Because God speaks to me?
We will need a doctor
to testify
that you have
a mental illness,
because you do.
Please don't abandon me, Alan.
I won't.
Being alone
is not good for me.
Let's not settle.
Nobody's gonna hire you,
except maybe me.
Do you even have the authority
to hire people?
No.
I'll figure it out.
FRUTT: To the world
and to the potential jury pool,
you are the man
who murdered his pregnant wife
and unborn son.
I need you to start
demonstrating
the zeal that comes
with defending
an innocent man.
Daddy!
Hey, baby!
Do you think your mom
killed herself?
I know my dad
didn't kill her.
He loved her,
so I think she must have
committed suicide.
CAMPBELL:
You stated to the police
that you didn't learn
of your wife's affair
until after her death.
And yet the night before,
you were heard screaming,
"Do you love him?"
As I said before,
I don't remember
saying that.
I would like to explore
murder two.
That is a life sentence,
Ellenor.
FRUTT: I don't know
what to tell you.
We are dead.
EMMA: Daddy, let me tell.
BRAD: Emma, please be quiet.
Daddy, you said you--
Emma?
WEST: Did your niece
indicate to you
that she poisoned
your sister?
It appears Mr. Stanfield
did not commit the crime.
WEST: The District Attorney
feels he is duty-bound
to withdraw the complaint.
The charges against
Brad Stanfield
are therefore dismissed.
I killed Molly.
As the case went south,
Emma and I devised
a backup plan.
It involved manipulating you.
Getting you to think
that she did it.
Now we need to help her.
You killed your wife?
Yes,
and I'm not proud
of using my daughter
to secure my freedom.
The mission now
is to fix things
and get her out.
So we all need
to get on board.
There's nothing you can do.
I can't accept that, Eugene.
Well, you have to.
I am sorry, there are--
She's 10 years old.
Listen to me, both of you.
We represent him, not her.
She arguably thought
I was her attorney
when she confessed,
falsely confessed.
YOUNG: Ellenor,
all you can do
is ask the client
to cure his perjury.
If he refuses, he's not--
She works here?
What?
That cuckoo bird.
The woman who talks to God,
she works here?
No, she doesn't work here.
Well, she thinks she does.
She says Alan Shore
hired her.
She's out there
organizing her desk.
Excuse me.
Did you hire her?
I don't have the authority
to hire her, Eugene.
She's here. Look at her.
SHORE: Yes, I said,
"Come practice law with us
on a temporary basis," and--
You're temporary.
And she's totally nuts.
Thank you, Jimmy.
I never figured you
for the type
who liked to weigh in.
What's that
supposed to mean?
Undo this.
He just called me "fat."
First of all,
I would never say that.
Second, you are fat,
and third, you should be--
YOUNG: We are not hiring.
If we were hiring,
we would not be hiring her.
SHORE: Eugene,
I've got to keep this woman
close to me
until I can persuade her
to get back on her medication.
The best means for that
is to employ her.
Trust me,
when she functions
as a lawyer,
her insanity is displaced
by legal acuity.
As I said,
it's only temporary,
and I will watch her.
Please?
(music playing)
WILSON: So she works here?
Temporarily.
She, like Mr. Shore,
will work here
on a trial basis.
She will not draw salary,
and most importantly,
we are not to give
her clients,
ever.
Then why is she here?
I'm sorry,
do paralegals speak
at staff meetings?
That's not
a criticism, Tara,
I'm just trying to get
a sense of policy.
You know what--
Keep it personal, now.
Hello, all.
Sorry I'm late.
Eugene, I was wondering
if we could start
at 9:15.
I have my Feldenkrais
appointments at 8:00,
and they're murder
to reschedule.
Did I miss the breathing?
They don't breathe here,
Sheila.
What?
YOUNG: Ms. Carlisle,
we're running late.
CARLISLE: Every day should begin
with 10 deep breaths.
It oxygenates the brain,
which gives you clarity
and optimism,
which is the greatest
source of energy.
Let's hold hands.
Let's go,
everybody.
Here we go.
Let's suck in life's juice
deep into the diaphragm.
In.
(inhales sharply)
Jamie, let's go.
(exhales sharply)
CARLISLE: In.
Let's go see
Brad Stanfield,
take our best shot.
Yeah, like that'll work.
May I help you?
Yes, I'm Roland Huff,
and I'd like to meet
with an attorney.
Do you have an appointment?
YOUNG: It's temporary, Jimmy.
It doesn't matter.
She's a loon.
ROLAND: No, I'm afraid I don't.
Okay, Roland, if you
wouldn't mind taking a seat.
I'll be with you
in a moment.
Thank you.
You're smart enough to know
whatever your reality is,
Sheila, it's folly--
To impose it on others.
To impose it on others.
Got it.
Give me a criminal.
I'm sorry?
I'm not asking
for a murderer.
Just give me
somebody clever.
Give me an embezzler.
I'm an embezzler.
We'll get lunch.
Sheila, it's important
at the beginning
that you keep
a low profile here.
These people
are very reticent.
Just give me a case
to work on.
I don't like to be alone
with my thoughts.
Confess?
Well, wasn't that
your plan, anyway?
You can't be retried.
You're free.
Why not save Emma?
Well, I could be prosecuted
for perjury, Ellenor.
I did testify that
I didn't do it, remember?
If I was to come
forward now
and say that
I was the killer...
Certainly, you're not
gonna allow your daughter
to stay locked up.
My thinking was,
let's see how
Emma's trial goes.
She probably has
a legitimate
temporary insanity
defense.
10 years old?
She figures to be
very sympathetic.
You're gonna let her
stand trial?
I'll testify
on her behalf, Jamie.
I'll talk about
how troubled she was.
Brad, I don't think
that's going to work.
I got myself off.
Now I'll get Emma off.
You keep forgetting
how persuasive I can be.
In my bed,
the two of them.
I since learned
it's been going on
for six years.
How long have
you been married?
Seven.
Roland,
Massachusetts
is a no-fault state,
which basically means
that your wife's infidelity
is a nonissue.
That's what I've been told,
but this was--
she didn't just cheat on me,
Ms. Wilson.
She did so
with my best friend.
He was--he was best man
in our wedding.
This just seems so wrong.
I have two young kids.
For me to come home
and find out my wife...
(sighs)
my children's mother,
to learn it's been going on
for six years?
Roland, it is horrible
what your wife has done.
But unfortunately,
in a no-fault state,
you have no remedy at law
for which--
I'll represent you,
Roland.
Sheila.
And I don't think
we should just
file a claim against her.
I think we should prosecute
that best man as well.
Sheila?
I want you to continue
giving the facts to Tara.
And after that, we'll file
a claim in superior Court.
We can expect a motion
to dismiss.
But surviving that,
discovery should be short,
and we'll be in Court
in three months.
And we can win?
Roland,
look at me.
There's a reason you happened
to walk into this law office
after all those other lawyers
turned you down.
I win my cases.
Not some of them,
not most of them,
every single one of them.
And I shall win this case.
I realize that I'm only
a third-year law student,
but even I know
that public policy
won't let you litigate
domestic disputes and--
CARLISLE: We need to appreciate
on a deeper level
that you are only
a third-year law student.
You see,
every law can be bent,
folded, or manipulated,
so long as it conforms
to fairness.
So instead of taking issue,
perhaps you would like to seize
the opportunity to learn.
You see, Tara,
I will win.
Aren't you just fascinated
to see how?
(door opens)
All you need
is one more drink,
and we're having
a pool party.
I'm not that drunk.
We can fix that right up.
Although I did see you
sort of stumble out of the cab,
not that I don't welcome you
to stumble on over
whenever you feel the urge.
Ellenor,
what are you doing here?
You know,
I have freed murderers,
rapists,
and I usually end up
sleeping at night because...
I know my role
in the system.
You know, I'm the
defense attorney up against
the police state and all.
I sleep.
I never have trouble
sleeping.
But?
How do I let
a 10-year-old girl
spend her life
in juvenile hall,
when I know
that makes me...
(inhales sharply)
You know what I am, Alan?
Drunk?
A monster.
If I can let a child,
then I have to wear
the badge
that "I am a monster."
This is a beautiful,
blossoming girl.
She's a--
she's a child.
She's the future
of our country.
(sniffling)
Maybe we're both gonna need
another drink.
You know,
I'm a terrible drinker,
because I never drink.
(chuckles)
You'll stay here
tonight.
Alan,
I am not having sex
with you.
That's all right.
Did you bring any friends?
Come on, it's late.
Let's get you inside.
I just wanted your advice.
(laughs)
I'm not sure that
I can keep my mouth shut.
I don't want to be
disbarred, but--
whoa.
(water splashes)
(dog barking)
And we're going
to Court now?
CARLISLE: I've filed for
a temporary restraining order.
Injunctive relief
gets you right in.
Now, I expect them to file
their motion to dismiss.
I don't mind waiving notice
on that as long as--
Are they gonna be there?
Who?
My wife and Richard.
They might.
Will that be a problem?
It's hard for me
to see them.
I don't know
if I'm ready to see them.
I'll handle things.
You just stand there
and look as sad as you can.
I said no clients.
I couldn't stop her.
You should have come
and got me.
And you, you said
you'd be watching her.
SHORE: She already
filed a complaint.
Yes, and she thinks that
she's gonna win. She even--
Hold on a second.
She said that?
She thinks she'll win?
Yes.
What's the problem?
If Sheila says
she's gonna win,
she wins, no exceptions.
Did you hear the cause
of action?
SHORE: I don't care
what the cause is.
If she promises victory,
you've won.
Tara, come with us.
You need to learn.
Oh.
Don't talk to me,
ever.
If you have something to say,
just put it in a note.
Just a guess,
but I'd say she got looped
and fell in a pool.
I want you in Court
backing Sheila now.
I've got an appointment.
Tara will be there.
Eugene,
she doesn't need help,
not in that room.
This is
a domestic dispute.
We're in
a no-fault state.
This is a rift
between a husband and wife.
Your Honor, he's telling you
things you already know.
I'd ask that he respect
the robe
and value your time.
You're the one
taking my time, counsel,
with this untenable claim.
The restatement
of torts recognizes
a valid claim against one,
who, by extreme
and outrageous conduct,
intentionally
or recklessly
causes severe emotional
distress to another.
There is no immunity
for married people.
No exception for
domestic disputes.
COLLINS: Your Honor,
the Court of law
is a hallowed forum
to litigate serious
legal judicial disputes.
CARLISLE: Oh, yes,
the hallowed forum defense.
Oprah was sued
for criticizing meat.
McDonald's
was sued and lost
for serving coffee
that was too hot.
The hallowed forum
entertains any claim
that is valid,
as is the one
that is
before you today.
All right.
The T. R. O. nonsense
is dismissed.
On the underlying claim,
I want to hear from Mr. Huff.
COLLINS: Your Honor--
BROWN: You're asking me
to throw this out, counsel.
I wanna conduct
a short evidentiary hearing
before I do so.
2:00.
Well, progress.
(inhales sharply)
Breathe life's juice.
Now let's go.
He didn't tell me about you.
Well, maybe he didn't
even know I'd be coming.
Maybe he thought it would be
Ellenor or Jamie,
who I work with.
Emma,
I know about
the little plan.
And may I say,
I admire you.
What a wonderful daughter
you must be
to protect your dad
like this.
You're a true hero.
But now, in preparation
for your dad
to protect you,
we have to get our statements
exactly right
to protect you both
against perjury.
So, here's your dad's
statement.
And I need you
to look it over
and tell me how
it's going to compare to yours.
(music playing)
Did you trick this girl?
I persuaded her
to tell the truth.
I might have used
a little trickery.
And this is my statement.
It's hearsay,
since Mr. Stanfield
didn't confess to me directly.
But I think you'll find--
Hold on just a second,
would you, please?
This would be privileged.
You're a member
of Ms. Frutt's firm.
Anything she told you do--
I haven't even gotten
to the good part.
Since Mr. Stanfield
accomplished
his mistrial through fraud,
double jeopardy
does not attach.
You can try him
all over again
on double murder,
and this time,
you'll have my testimony.
Mr. Shore,
I will give you
the opportunity
to take this all back,
because--
That's not gonna happen.
I'll have no choice
but to report you to the bar.
That's fine,
but you will use this.
You will probably
lose your license.
I've always wanted
to farm apples.
Cortland, not McIntosh,
they make for
a much tarter crisp.
There's a little girl
in a juvenile facility,
Mr. Campbell.
Send for her.
Then send for Mr. Stanfield.
Then you can have the bar
send for me.
(music playing)
REPORTER (over TV):
In a stunning development,
we've now learned
that Brad Stanfield
has been rearrested
for the murder of his wife
and unborn son.
Sources say
Mr. Stanfield's own lawyers
provided information
leading to the arrest.
I did nothing, I swear.
REPORTER (over TV):
...to be arraigned at 2:30.
You may remember
earlier charges
against Mr. Stanfield...
Jamie?
I didn't say anything.
Hello.
Did I miss
something interesting?
Alan,
did you talk to the D. A.
about Stanfield?
I might have mentioned
he confessed.
Please come to my office.
(music playing)
(door opens)
You don't really know me,
Mr. Shore.
Eugene, I know you don't
want me here,
and now I've given you
a perfect reason
to fire me.
Ellenor would
certainly understand.
I would appreciate
the courtesy of my discharge
being a reflective
decision, however,
so if you could
at least wait
until your anger subsides,
I'd be grateful.
(door closes)
He's not looking well
at all.
What's going on, Roland?
I wasn't prepared for
seeing them like that,
how it would make me feel.
I don't know
if I can testify
in some big public thing.
I don't know.
Take my hand, Roland.
I just don't like the way
I'm feeling now.
Why don't you just speak
directly to me?
Tell me your story.
Pretend I'm the only one
in the room.
Seeing the two of them
sitting together like that...
I'll tell you what,
you just look at me.
Tell me your story.
I think the worst part was
I thought everything
was wonderful.
CARLISLE: Were you two
having sexual relations?
ROLAND: No,
because she--
CARLISLE: Roland,
look at me, please.
She said
she couldn't have sex
because she had
a fibroid condition.
And I accepted it.
CARLISLE: How did you learn
of your wife's affair
with Mr. Ward?
I came home from work early
one day,
trying to surprise her.
I had a plan.
I was gonna take her out
to dinner.
When I got home,
I saw Richard's car
parked out in front.
I didn't think
anything of it.
He comes over
all the time.
He's...
my best friend.
I figured he came over
to borrow something.
Well, I went in, and...
I heard music
coming from upstairs.
Actually,
it was my very, very
favorite song,
"The Peppermint Twist".
And so I headed up.
Well, other sounds got louder
as I got closer,
and when I went in,
I saw them.
Richard and my wife...
were having intercourse
in my house in my bed.
And then what happened?
Well, they'd looked at me,
they stopped,
and they started up again.
Right there,
with you in the room?
Yes.
Yes.
They didn't even have
the decency to stop.
KING: Anything said to Mr. Shore
by the other lawyers
would be an extension
of privilege.
This was not state action,
Your Honor.
Any breach committed
by Mr. Shore
is actionable against
Mr. Shore civilly.
We should not, however,
be banned from using
the information.
This would violate
every principle of fairness
for my client to be re-tried.
Counsel,
if this information is true,
your client conspired to let
his 10-year-old daughter
take the fall for
a double murder he committed.
I don't think you mean
to play the fairness card.
I see attorneys Frutt
and Stringer.
I'll see you and counsel
in chambers now.
Mr. Stanfield,
you'll stay in custody.
(music playing)
Does Mr. Shore report
the facts correctly?
Privilege prevents me
from either confirming
or denying Mr. Shore's
allegations.
Ms. Frutt...
we have a serious
problem here.
If that little girl took
the stand and decided
on her own to lie,
then double jeopardy
attaches.
And Mr. Stanfield
goes free.
If he conspired to commit
the fraud, however,
double jeopardy
does not attach,
and he can be re-tried.
We understand that,
Your Honor, but--
You stepped outside
your role as advocates
and stood before me
as officers of the Court.
Which we deeply regret.
I am not interested
in remorse.
Your Honor--
I'm not speaking to you,
Mr. King.
Without asking you
to reveal privilege,
I would like you
to either confirm or deny
what you said to me
as officers of the Court.
All I will say,
we believed our representations
to be true.
Whether we continue
to believe them to be true,
privilege prevents us
from saying.
Mr. King...
it is my finding
the mistrial
was procured by fraud.
Double jeopardy will,
therefore, not attach.
Your client will be re-tried.
Mr. Campbell,
get the girl out of jail.
Ms. Frutt, tell Mr. Shore
that I am recommending him
for immediate disbarment.
Why does she get to testify?
I mean, why does she get
to tell her story?
It's a good sign that the Judge
wants to hear from her,
Roland.
It means they're
considering our case.
You know, I don't even know
if I wanna do this anymore.
I thought it would
make me feel better,
but it's only making me
feel worse.
I'm getting
very angry feelings,
and I don't like it
when I feel this way.
Big breath, just--
I don't wanna suck
life's juice!
Roland...
I think that you wanted
to do this
because you felt victimized.
And that could be what's been
making you feel angry.
Now, you can certainly
quit now,
but it might end up
making you feel
even more angry.
Alan...
you betrayed me.
Did I?
Sorry.
Don't be flip.
I came to you in distress,
in confidence,
because I had a problem
that I--
Which I shared.
You couldn't live
with the child
being falsely imprisoned.
Neither could I.
You should have come
to me for--
In which case, you might
be facing disbarment.
Perhaps you could say,
"Thanks for the insulation."
BERLUTI:
But you didn't insulate her.
What you did
goes to this firm,
our reputation,
and it's damaged.
You're right, Jimmy.
I'm sorry.
How about a hug?
BERLUTI: I'm gonna pop
this guy, I swear.
I'm just gonna hit him.
YOUNG: What time's
the hearing before the bar?
10:00 AM.
Have you retained counsel?
I'll represent myself.
And what are you
going to say?
Exactly what I feel
at the moment.
Your conduct speaks
to the integrity of this firm.
You need to get that.
Got it.
I'm not proud of it,
but I fell in love.
It happens sometimes
in marriage.
People have affairs.
I'm sorry I hurt Roland
and, of course, my children,
but I fell in love.
But when Roland came
into the room,
did you really continue
to have relations?
You know, I really don't
believe we did.
But this is embarrassing
to talk about,
but when you're about
to climax,
you're not completely
in control of your faculties.
All I can say...
(sighs)
I never meant to hurt Roland.
He's a dear man.
I love him.
I just--
Fell in love...
quickly, I might add.
After about a year of being
married to this man,
having children,
you were having an affair
with his best friend.
Yes.
Best friend?
Yes.
Why not get a divorce?
Why have children
if you were in love
with somebody else?
That was probably
not a wise decision, but--
You made it when you were
about to climax.
COLLINS: Objection!
CARLISLE: Getting a divorce
would have cost you a lot
of money, right, Nance?
Roland had lots.
You had none.
And the best man
was unemployed.
This was never about money.
No, simply love,
just all about love.
Tell me something, Nance,
how did you not get caught
for six years?
Wow, six years,
that's a really long time
to pull off a lie.
Objection!
CARLISLE: Six years, she screwed
his best friend in his bed.
Objection!
Your Honor, why are you not
ruling on my objections?
Oh, all right.
Sustained.
Dial it back, Ms. Carlisle.
People fall in love, Nancy.
I get that.
Fall victim to passion.
But this...
this was six years
of careful planning
to avoid detection.
This was reflective,
orchestrated,
premeditated deceit.
Don't you dare clump that
under the banner of "love."
This was evil.
You are an evil person.
COLLINS: Objection.
Your Honor, God would like
to apologize to the Court.
She says she's terribly
overextended.
And sometimes,
when she's spread too thin...
people like Nancy happen.
He wants to see me?
STRINGER: And only you.
What's going on?
Brad Stanfield
asked to see me.
You can't.
I mean, he's represented
by counsel, and--
He waived it.
Sheila, Judge Brown's
office called.
She's ruling at 10:00.
Okay.
How's she doing?
Fabulous, although she got
a little religious
at the end of her cross.
Nuts religious or just...
I couldn't tell.
The problem
with this lawsuit,
every husband will start
suing his ex-wife
as a way to circumvent alimony.
We may get to the point
where husbands even entrap
their wives into having affairs
so they can avoid
losing their houses.
This is why we have no-fault,
why the Court
doesn't even wanna go there,
asking who's to blame.
However...
divorce law should not be used
to shield a person
when he engages in egregious,
outrageous conduct
to the emotional detriment
of others.
Six years
with his best friend?
Ms. Huff...
I'm sorry.
A jury might throw this out,
but I won't.
The motion to dismiss is denied.
I don't believe it.
We've got a long
way to go.
With three months minimum
on discovery,
you've got to decide
if you wanna settle,
but the leverage
is ours, Roland.
NANCY:
You think you've won, Roland?
You're represented
by counsel, Miss--
I don't care.
Drop this now, Roland,
or you'll lose the kids.
CARLISLE: I don't think
that's your call, Nance.
You think
you know everything?
Certainly not,
just a little more than most.
Little news flash, Roland.
The kids aren't yours.
They're Richard's.
Nancy.
What?
NANCY: Yeah.
So drop this case, Roland,
or you'll never see them again.
It wasn't
a master plan, Roland.
It just happened.
NANCY: Didn't you even wonder
why they don't look like you,
not even slightly?
CARLISLE: All right,
talk time's over.
You're not looking
so smug anymore.
Come on, Richard.
All right.
I want you to drop
by the office, Roland,
and we will figure out
your legal options.
Tara, I want you to do
some research.
Done.
Roland, look at me.
I told you in the beginning
I'd take care of you,
and I will.
MAN: You turned in
your own client?
SHORE: I did.
Do you have any defense?
No.
That's all you have
to say to us, "no."
Well, I thought
if I saved time,
you might go easier.
Mr. Shore, if you find
this amusing--
I find it preposterous,
Your Honor.
A 10-year-old girl climbs
into the witness chair
to declare herself the killer,
the daughter of the defendant.
And what happens?
The Judge says mistrial,
the child goes to jail,
and the only thing
horrifying you
is that I revealed
the double murderer's secret.
Yes, Mr. Shore,
because privilege--
Privilege is fundamental
to the system.
Problem is, Judge,
the system is a disaster.
We have over 10,000
wrongful convictions--
You're not helping yourself.
SHORE: And who might you
be helping, Judge?
Your Honor.
May I be heard?
Who are you?
My name is Eugene Young.
Mr. Shore is a member
of our firm, and as such,
I believe I have standing
to address this tribunal.
And Mr. Shore was doing
so well without you.
I, like this tribunal,
believe lawyer/client privilege
to be sacrosanct,
and that there could be
no greater violation
to this process
than the breach of that trust.
But, Your Honors,
in order for there
to be a breach,
there has to be an underlying
trust to begin with.
Here there wasn't.
Brad Stanfield lied
to Ellenor Frutt
and Jamie Stringer.
He deceived them
for the express purpose
of defrauding the Court.
The fact that
they couldn't trust him
doesn't mean
he wasn't trusting them.
Well, I would submit,
a fiduciary relationship
has to be somewhat mutual.
Beyond that, Alan Shore
had the legal right
to reveal
Mr. Stanfield's secret.
And how do you get that?
Well...
directing
the Court's attention
to the rules
of professional conduct,
rule number 1.6(b)(1).
In one state in this country,
a lawyer may break
client privilege
to prevent the wrongful
incarceration of another.
That state
is Massachusetts.
FLYNN: Mr. Young,
that is an obscure exception,
which, to my knowledge,
has never been relied
upon, ever.
But it is there.
It is written.
The fact that Mr. Shore
is the first to invoke
it does not undermine
its validity.
Technically,
Alan Shore acted legally.
And moreover, Your Honor,
he acted morally.
He did the right thing.
The three of you speak
of prioritizing trust.
But what about the public trust
in our profession?
What about
the erosion of respect
for who and what we are?
Alan Shore is an honorable man.
He saw an unspeakable wrong.
A child imprisoned
for something she didn't commit.
And he acted to right it.
He acted within both
the technical bounds of the law
and the moral bounds
of decency.
Accordingly,
he should neither be suspended,
nor expelled from practice,
because he is just.
He is just.
And, Your Honors...
you need to reach into
yourselves like Alan Shore did,
and do what is right.
I'm sure the whole town's
applauding for you right now.
They probably wanna buy you
a gold watch
or something like that.
I didn't rat you out, Brad.
Neither did Jamie.
It was another lawyer
in our firm.
Are you telling me you had
nothing to do with this?
Oh, I would love
to claim I did.
I wish I had the courage
to throw away my career,
but somebody else
did the dirty work for me.
You're a fan of dirty work,
aren't you?
I'm glad you're enjoying this.
I am.
But you need to remember
two things, Ellenor,
first, I will walk away
from the second trial,
just like I walked away
from the first.
Because you make such
a favorable impression.
People like you.
And second,
when I do walk away,
I'll be looking you up.
Is that a threat?
Of course not.
I don't believe you had nothing
to do with this, Ellenor.
I am in here now,
but I won't be for long.
Keep talking.
I am free to repeat it all.
We're in each other's lives,
Ellenor.
And the story is just beginning.
We've done some research,
and it's not the end
of the world.
Don't handle me!
Even if they're not
your biological children,
they are still yours.
Any child born into marriage
is presumed to be--
I wanna hurt her now.
WILSON: Roland,
I need you to listen to me.
She can't take away
your kids.
Even if they
are Richard's biologically,
legally, we still think
that they're yours.
There are estoppel arguments
to be made against Richard,
and under current
adoption laws--
is he listening to me?
I don't think
he's listening to me.
CARLISLE: We're gonna win
this lawsuit, Roland.
We're gonna try to get
you full custody.
This is gonna backfire
on them.
Promise me that.
Please, promise.
We can't promise,
Roland, but--
CARLISLE: Yes, we can.
I promise, Roland.
I'll win this for you.
WHITE: We are not persuaded
that Mr. Shore
did the moral thing
when he blatantly broke
privilege.
We don't think
he was just at all
when he betrayed his own client.
Mr. Shore, in our view,
you have offended
the very essence
of what it means to be
a Criminal-Defense Attorney.
But technically,
under Rule 1.6(b)(1),
a rule which you probably
weren't even aware of,
were you?
Absolutely.
I read it twice.
Under this obscure provision,
which will undoubtedly be erased
now that someone
has actually invoked it,
you're covered.
We don't have the grounds
to suspend you,
however much we might like to.
We deeply hope
that you will give us
another chance soon.
We're adjourned.
(gavel bangs)
What do you know?
Eugene, thank you.
I did it for the firm.
Don't mistake it
for affection.
Yes.
Thank you.
(music playing)
(doorbell ringing)
WILSON: Roland?
(knocking on door)
WILSON: Roland?
Roland, what's going on?
Are you all right?
Bedroom...
I think I need a lawyer.
Bedroom?
(sighs) I need a lawyer.
I need help.
CARLISLE: Let's go. Come on.
(Joey Dee & The Starliters'
"Peppermint Twist" playing)
(gasps)
Holy Mary, Mother of God.
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be Thy name.
Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done.
Lead us not into temptation...
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom
and the power
and the glory forever.
Amen.
MAN: ♪ Yeah, yeah,
yeah, yeah ♪
♪ Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah ♪
♪ Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah ♪
♪ Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah ♪
(music playing)
WOMAN: You stinker!
(music playing)
"The Practice"...
Assuming you do hear
God's thoughts,
persuading a jury
of that reality
will be difficult for me.
I had the highest
winning percentage
of any litigator
in my firm.
They had no right
to fire me.
You can't be willing
to take this to trial.
Oh, but we can.
She was terminated
for her disability.
That's against the law.
She will be publicly
revealed as a loon,
which you are, Sheila.
SHORE: Listen, I need to meet
with your doctors tomorrow.
I have no doctors.
You're not being treated
by anybody?
CARLISLE: Why should I be?
Because God speaks to me?
We will need a doctor
to testify
that you have
a mental illness,
because you do.
Please don't abandon me, Alan.
I won't.
Being alone
is not good for me.
Let's not settle.
Nobody's gonna hire you,
except maybe me.
Do you even have the authority
to hire people?
No.
I'll figure it out.
FRUTT: To the world
and to the potential jury pool,
you are the man
who murdered his pregnant wife
and unborn son.
I need you to start
demonstrating
the zeal that comes
with defending
an innocent man.
Daddy!
Hey, baby!
Do you think your mom
killed herself?
I know my dad
didn't kill her.
He loved her,
so I think she must have
committed suicide.
CAMPBELL:
You stated to the police
that you didn't learn
of your wife's affair
until after her death.
And yet the night before,
you were heard screaming,
"Do you love him?"
As I said before,
I don't remember
saying that.
I would like to explore
murder two.
That is a life sentence,
Ellenor.
FRUTT: I don't know
what to tell you.
We are dead.
EMMA: Daddy, let me tell.
BRAD: Emma, please be quiet.
Daddy, you said you--
Emma?
WEST: Did your niece
indicate to you
that she poisoned
your sister?
It appears Mr. Stanfield
did not commit the crime.
WEST: The District Attorney
feels he is duty-bound
to withdraw the complaint.
The charges against
Brad Stanfield
are therefore dismissed.
I killed Molly.
As the case went south,
Emma and I devised
a backup plan.
It involved manipulating you.
Getting you to think
that she did it.
Now we need to help her.
You killed your wife?
Yes,
and I'm not proud
of using my daughter
to secure my freedom.
The mission now
is to fix things
and get her out.
So we all need
to get on board.
There's nothing you can do.
I can't accept that, Eugene.
Well, you have to.
I am sorry, there are--
She's 10 years old.
Listen to me, both of you.
We represent him, not her.
She arguably thought
I was her attorney
when she confessed,
falsely confessed.
YOUNG: Ellenor,
all you can do
is ask the client
to cure his perjury.
If he refuses, he's not--
She works here?
What?
That cuckoo bird.
The woman who talks to God,
she works here?
No, she doesn't work here.
Well, she thinks she does.
She says Alan Shore
hired her.
She's out there
organizing her desk.
Excuse me.
Did you hire her?
I don't have the authority
to hire her, Eugene.
She's here. Look at her.
SHORE: Yes, I said,
"Come practice law with us
on a temporary basis," and--
You're temporary.
And she's totally nuts.
Thank you, Jimmy.
I never figured you
for the type
who liked to weigh in.
What's that
supposed to mean?
Undo this.
He just called me "fat."
First of all,
I would never say that.
Second, you are fat,
and third, you should be--
YOUNG: We are not hiring.
If we were hiring,
we would not be hiring her.
SHORE: Eugene,
I've got to keep this woman
close to me
until I can persuade her
to get back on her medication.
The best means for that
is to employ her.
Trust me,
when she functions
as a lawyer,
her insanity is displaced
by legal acuity.
As I said,
it's only temporary,
and I will watch her.
Please?
(music playing)
WILSON: So she works here?
Temporarily.
She, like Mr. Shore,
will work here
on a trial basis.
She will not draw salary,
and most importantly,
we are not to give
her clients,
ever.
Then why is she here?
I'm sorry,
do paralegals speak
at staff meetings?
That's not
a criticism, Tara,
I'm just trying to get
a sense of policy.
You know what--
Keep it personal, now.
Hello, all.
Sorry I'm late.
Eugene, I was wondering
if we could start
at 9:15.
I have my Feldenkrais
appointments at 8:00,
and they're murder
to reschedule.
Did I miss the breathing?
They don't breathe here,
Sheila.
What?
YOUNG: Ms. Carlisle,
we're running late.
CARLISLE: Every day should begin
with 10 deep breaths.
It oxygenates the brain,
which gives you clarity
and optimism,
which is the greatest
source of energy.
Let's hold hands.
Let's go,
everybody.
Here we go.
Let's suck in life's juice
deep into the diaphragm.
In.
(inhales sharply)
Jamie, let's go.
(exhales sharply)
CARLISLE: In.
Let's go see
Brad Stanfield,
take our best shot.
Yeah, like that'll work.
May I help you?
Yes, I'm Roland Huff,
and I'd like to meet
with an attorney.
Do you have an appointment?
YOUNG: It's temporary, Jimmy.
It doesn't matter.
She's a loon.
ROLAND: No, I'm afraid I don't.
Okay, Roland, if you
wouldn't mind taking a seat.
I'll be with you
in a moment.
Thank you.
You're smart enough to know
whatever your reality is,
Sheila, it's folly--
To impose it on others.
To impose it on others.
Got it.
Give me a criminal.
I'm sorry?
I'm not asking
for a murderer.
Just give me
somebody clever.
Give me an embezzler.
I'm an embezzler.
We'll get lunch.
Sheila, it's important
at the beginning
that you keep
a low profile here.
These people
are very reticent.
Just give me a case
to work on.
I don't like to be alone
with my thoughts.
Confess?
Well, wasn't that
your plan, anyway?
You can't be retried.
You're free.
Why not save Emma?
Well, I could be prosecuted
for perjury, Ellenor.
I did testify that
I didn't do it, remember?
If I was to come
forward now
and say that
I was the killer...
Certainly, you're not
gonna allow your daughter
to stay locked up.
My thinking was,
let's see how
Emma's trial goes.
She probably has
a legitimate
temporary insanity
defense.
10 years old?
She figures to be
very sympathetic.
You're gonna let her
stand trial?
I'll testify
on her behalf, Jamie.
I'll talk about
how troubled she was.
Brad, I don't think
that's going to work.
I got myself off.
Now I'll get Emma off.
You keep forgetting
how persuasive I can be.
In my bed,
the two of them.
I since learned
it's been going on
for six years.
How long have
you been married?
Seven.
Roland,
Massachusetts
is a no-fault state,
which basically means
that your wife's infidelity
is a nonissue.
That's what I've been told,
but this was--
she didn't just cheat on me,
Ms. Wilson.
She did so
with my best friend.
He was--he was best man
in our wedding.
This just seems so wrong.
I have two young kids.
For me to come home
and find out my wife...
(sighs)
my children's mother,
to learn it's been going on
for six years?
Roland, it is horrible
what your wife has done.
But unfortunately,
in a no-fault state,
you have no remedy at law
for which--
I'll represent you,
Roland.
Sheila.
And I don't think
we should just
file a claim against her.
I think we should prosecute
that best man as well.
Sheila?
I want you to continue
giving the facts to Tara.
And after that, we'll file
a claim in superior Court.
We can expect a motion
to dismiss.
But surviving that,
discovery should be short,
and we'll be in Court
in three months.
And we can win?
Roland,
look at me.
There's a reason you happened
to walk into this law office
after all those other lawyers
turned you down.
I win my cases.
Not some of them,
not most of them,
every single one of them.
And I shall win this case.
I realize that I'm only
a third-year law student,
but even I know
that public policy
won't let you litigate
domestic disputes and--
CARLISLE: We need to appreciate
on a deeper level
that you are only
a third-year law student.
You see,
every law can be bent,
folded, or manipulated,
so long as it conforms
to fairness.
So instead of taking issue,
perhaps you would like to seize
the opportunity to learn.
You see, Tara,
I will win.
Aren't you just fascinated
to see how?
(door opens)
All you need
is one more drink,
and we're having
a pool party.
I'm not that drunk.
We can fix that right up.
Although I did see you
sort of stumble out of the cab,
not that I don't welcome you
to stumble on over
whenever you feel the urge.
Ellenor,
what are you doing here?
You know,
I have freed murderers,
rapists,
and I usually end up
sleeping at night because...
I know my role
in the system.
You know, I'm the
defense attorney up against
the police state and all.
I sleep.
I never have trouble
sleeping.
But?
How do I let
a 10-year-old girl
spend her life
in juvenile hall,
when I know
that makes me...
(inhales sharply)
You know what I am, Alan?
Drunk?
A monster.
If I can let a child,
then I have to wear
the badge
that "I am a monster."
This is a beautiful,
blossoming girl.
She's a--
she's a child.
She's the future
of our country.
(sniffling)
Maybe we're both gonna need
another drink.
You know,
I'm a terrible drinker,
because I never drink.
(chuckles)
You'll stay here
tonight.
Alan,
I am not having sex
with you.
That's all right.
Did you bring any friends?
Come on, it's late.
Let's get you inside.
I just wanted your advice.
(laughs)
I'm not sure that
I can keep my mouth shut.
I don't want to be
disbarred, but--
whoa.
(water splashes)
(dog barking)
And we're going
to Court now?
CARLISLE: I've filed for
a temporary restraining order.
Injunctive relief
gets you right in.
Now, I expect them to file
their motion to dismiss.
I don't mind waiving notice
on that as long as--
Are they gonna be there?
Who?
My wife and Richard.
They might.
Will that be a problem?
It's hard for me
to see them.
I don't know
if I'm ready to see them.
I'll handle things.
You just stand there
and look as sad as you can.
I said no clients.
I couldn't stop her.
You should have come
and got me.
And you, you said
you'd be watching her.
SHORE: She already
filed a complaint.
Yes, and she thinks that
she's gonna win. She even--
Hold on a second.
She said that?
She thinks she'll win?
Yes.
What's the problem?
If Sheila says
she's gonna win,
she wins, no exceptions.
Did you hear the cause
of action?
SHORE: I don't care
what the cause is.
If she promises victory,
you've won.
Tara, come with us.
You need to learn.
Oh.
Don't talk to me,
ever.
If you have something to say,
just put it in a note.
Just a guess,
but I'd say she got looped
and fell in a pool.
I want you in Court
backing Sheila now.
I've got an appointment.
Tara will be there.
Eugene,
she doesn't need help,
not in that room.
This is
a domestic dispute.
We're in
a no-fault state.
This is a rift
between a husband and wife.
Your Honor, he's telling you
things you already know.
I'd ask that he respect
the robe
and value your time.
You're the one
taking my time, counsel,
with this untenable claim.
The restatement
of torts recognizes
a valid claim against one,
who, by extreme
and outrageous conduct,
intentionally
or recklessly
causes severe emotional
distress to another.
There is no immunity
for married people.
No exception for
domestic disputes.
COLLINS: Your Honor,
the Court of law
is a hallowed forum
to litigate serious
legal judicial disputes.
CARLISLE: Oh, yes,
the hallowed forum defense.
Oprah was sued
for criticizing meat.
McDonald's
was sued and lost
for serving coffee
that was too hot.
The hallowed forum
entertains any claim
that is valid,
as is the one
that is
before you today.
All right.
The T. R. O. nonsense
is dismissed.
On the underlying claim,
I want to hear from Mr. Huff.
COLLINS: Your Honor--
BROWN: You're asking me
to throw this out, counsel.
I wanna conduct
a short evidentiary hearing
before I do so.
2:00.
Well, progress.
(inhales sharply)
Breathe life's juice.
Now let's go.
He didn't tell me about you.
Well, maybe he didn't
even know I'd be coming.
Maybe he thought it would be
Ellenor or Jamie,
who I work with.
Emma,
I know about
the little plan.
And may I say,
I admire you.
What a wonderful daughter
you must be
to protect your dad
like this.
You're a true hero.
But now, in preparation
for your dad
to protect you,
we have to get our statements
exactly right
to protect you both
against perjury.
So, here's your dad's
statement.
And I need you
to look it over
and tell me how
it's going to compare to yours.
(music playing)
Did you trick this girl?
I persuaded her
to tell the truth.
I might have used
a little trickery.
And this is my statement.
It's hearsay,
since Mr. Stanfield
didn't confess to me directly.
But I think you'll find--
Hold on just a second,
would you, please?
This would be privileged.
You're a member
of Ms. Frutt's firm.
Anything she told you do--
I haven't even gotten
to the good part.
Since Mr. Stanfield
accomplished
his mistrial through fraud,
double jeopardy
does not attach.
You can try him
all over again
on double murder,
and this time,
you'll have my testimony.
Mr. Shore,
I will give you
the opportunity
to take this all back,
because--
That's not gonna happen.
I'll have no choice
but to report you to the bar.
That's fine,
but you will use this.
You will probably
lose your license.
I've always wanted
to farm apples.
Cortland, not McIntosh,
they make for
a much tarter crisp.
There's a little girl
in a juvenile facility,
Mr. Campbell.
Send for her.
Then send for Mr. Stanfield.
Then you can have the bar
send for me.
(music playing)
REPORTER (over TV):
In a stunning development,
we've now learned
that Brad Stanfield
has been rearrested
for the murder of his wife
and unborn son.
Sources say
Mr. Stanfield's own lawyers
provided information
leading to the arrest.
I did nothing, I swear.
REPORTER (over TV):
...to be arraigned at 2:30.
You may remember
earlier charges
against Mr. Stanfield...
Jamie?
I didn't say anything.
Hello.
Did I miss
something interesting?
Alan,
did you talk to the D. A.
about Stanfield?
I might have mentioned
he confessed.
Please come to my office.
(music playing)
(door opens)
You don't really know me,
Mr. Shore.
Eugene, I know you don't
want me here,
and now I've given you
a perfect reason
to fire me.
Ellenor would
certainly understand.
I would appreciate
the courtesy of my discharge
being a reflective
decision, however,
so if you could
at least wait
until your anger subsides,
I'd be grateful.
(door closes)
He's not looking well
at all.
What's going on, Roland?
I wasn't prepared for
seeing them like that,
how it would make me feel.
I don't know
if I can testify
in some big public thing.
I don't know.
Take my hand, Roland.
I just don't like the way
I'm feeling now.
Why don't you just speak
directly to me?
Tell me your story.
Pretend I'm the only one
in the room.
Seeing the two of them
sitting together like that...
I'll tell you what,
you just look at me.
Tell me your story.
I think the worst part was
I thought everything
was wonderful.
CARLISLE: Were you two
having sexual relations?
ROLAND: No,
because she--
CARLISLE: Roland,
look at me, please.
She said
she couldn't have sex
because she had
a fibroid condition.
And I accepted it.
CARLISLE: How did you learn
of your wife's affair
with Mr. Ward?
I came home from work early
one day,
trying to surprise her.
I had a plan.
I was gonna take her out
to dinner.
When I got home,
I saw Richard's car
parked out in front.
I didn't think
anything of it.
He comes over
all the time.
He's...
my best friend.
I figured he came over
to borrow something.
Well, I went in, and...
I heard music
coming from upstairs.
Actually,
it was my very, very
favorite song,
"The Peppermint Twist".
And so I headed up.
Well, other sounds got louder
as I got closer,
and when I went in,
I saw them.
Richard and my wife...
were having intercourse
in my house in my bed.
And then what happened?
Well, they'd looked at me,
they stopped,
and they started up again.
Right there,
with you in the room?
Yes.
Yes.
They didn't even have
the decency to stop.
KING: Anything said to Mr. Shore
by the other lawyers
would be an extension
of privilege.
This was not state action,
Your Honor.
Any breach committed
by Mr. Shore
is actionable against
Mr. Shore civilly.
We should not, however,
be banned from using
the information.
This would violate
every principle of fairness
for my client to be re-tried.
Counsel,
if this information is true,
your client conspired to let
his 10-year-old daughter
take the fall for
a double murder he committed.
I don't think you mean
to play the fairness card.
I see attorneys Frutt
and Stringer.
I'll see you and counsel
in chambers now.
Mr. Stanfield,
you'll stay in custody.
(music playing)
Does Mr. Shore report
the facts correctly?
Privilege prevents me
from either confirming
or denying Mr. Shore's
allegations.
Ms. Frutt...
we have a serious
problem here.
If that little girl took
the stand and decided
on her own to lie,
then double jeopardy
attaches.
And Mr. Stanfield
goes free.
If he conspired to commit
the fraud, however,
double jeopardy
does not attach,
and he can be re-tried.
We understand that,
Your Honor, but--
You stepped outside
your role as advocates
and stood before me
as officers of the Court.
Which we deeply regret.
I am not interested
in remorse.
Your Honor--
I'm not speaking to you,
Mr. King.
Without asking you
to reveal privilege,
I would like you
to either confirm or deny
what you said to me
as officers of the Court.
All I will say,
we believed our representations
to be true.
Whether we continue
to believe them to be true,
privilege prevents us
from saying.
Mr. King...
it is my finding
the mistrial
was procured by fraud.
Double jeopardy will,
therefore, not attach.
Your client will be re-tried.
Mr. Campbell,
get the girl out of jail.
Ms. Frutt, tell Mr. Shore
that I am recommending him
for immediate disbarment.
Why does she get to testify?
I mean, why does she get
to tell her story?
It's a good sign that the Judge
wants to hear from her,
Roland.
It means they're
considering our case.
You know, I don't even know
if I wanna do this anymore.
I thought it would
make me feel better,
but it's only making me
feel worse.
I'm getting
very angry feelings,
and I don't like it
when I feel this way.
Big breath, just--
I don't wanna suck
life's juice!
Roland...
I think that you wanted
to do this
because you felt victimized.
And that could be what's been
making you feel angry.
Now, you can certainly
quit now,
but it might end up
making you feel
even more angry.
Alan...
you betrayed me.
Did I?
Sorry.
Don't be flip.
I came to you in distress,
in confidence,
because I had a problem
that I--
Which I shared.
You couldn't live
with the child
being falsely imprisoned.
Neither could I.
You should have come
to me for--
In which case, you might
be facing disbarment.
Perhaps you could say,
"Thanks for the insulation."
BERLUTI:
But you didn't insulate her.
What you did
goes to this firm,
our reputation,
and it's damaged.
You're right, Jimmy.
I'm sorry.
How about a hug?
BERLUTI: I'm gonna pop
this guy, I swear.
I'm just gonna hit him.
YOUNG: What time's
the hearing before the bar?
10:00 AM.
Have you retained counsel?
I'll represent myself.
And what are you
going to say?
Exactly what I feel
at the moment.
Your conduct speaks
to the integrity of this firm.
You need to get that.
Got it.
I'm not proud of it,
but I fell in love.
It happens sometimes
in marriage.
People have affairs.
I'm sorry I hurt Roland
and, of course, my children,
but I fell in love.
But when Roland came
into the room,
did you really continue
to have relations?
You know, I really don't
believe we did.
But this is embarrassing
to talk about,
but when you're about
to climax,
you're not completely
in control of your faculties.
All I can say...
(sighs)
I never meant to hurt Roland.
He's a dear man.
I love him.
I just--
Fell in love...
quickly, I might add.
After about a year of being
married to this man,
having children,
you were having an affair
with his best friend.
Yes.
Best friend?
Yes.
Why not get a divorce?
Why have children
if you were in love
with somebody else?
That was probably
not a wise decision, but--
You made it when you were
about to climax.
COLLINS: Objection!
CARLISLE: Getting a divorce
would have cost you a lot
of money, right, Nance?
Roland had lots.
You had none.
And the best man
was unemployed.
This was never about money.
No, simply love,
just all about love.
Tell me something, Nance,
how did you not get caught
for six years?
Wow, six years,
that's a really long time
to pull off a lie.
Objection!
CARLISLE: Six years, she screwed
his best friend in his bed.
Objection!
Your Honor, why are you not
ruling on my objections?
Oh, all right.
Sustained.
Dial it back, Ms. Carlisle.
People fall in love, Nancy.
I get that.
Fall victim to passion.
But this...
this was six years
of careful planning
to avoid detection.
This was reflective,
orchestrated,
premeditated deceit.
Don't you dare clump that
under the banner of "love."
This was evil.
You are an evil person.
COLLINS: Objection.
Your Honor, God would like
to apologize to the Court.
She says she's terribly
overextended.
And sometimes,
when she's spread too thin...
people like Nancy happen.
He wants to see me?
STRINGER: And only you.
What's going on?
Brad Stanfield
asked to see me.
You can't.
I mean, he's represented
by counsel, and--
He waived it.
Sheila, Judge Brown's
office called.
She's ruling at 10:00.
Okay.
How's she doing?
Fabulous, although she got
a little religious
at the end of her cross.
Nuts religious or just...
I couldn't tell.
The problem
with this lawsuit,
every husband will start
suing his ex-wife
as a way to circumvent alimony.
We may get to the point
where husbands even entrap
their wives into having affairs
so they can avoid
losing their houses.
This is why we have no-fault,
why the Court
doesn't even wanna go there,
asking who's to blame.
However...
divorce law should not be used
to shield a person
when he engages in egregious,
outrageous conduct
to the emotional detriment
of others.
Six years
with his best friend?
Ms. Huff...
I'm sorry.
A jury might throw this out,
but I won't.
The motion to dismiss is denied.
I don't believe it.
We've got a long
way to go.
With three months minimum
on discovery,
you've got to decide
if you wanna settle,
but the leverage
is ours, Roland.
NANCY:
You think you've won, Roland?
You're represented
by counsel, Miss--
I don't care.
Drop this now, Roland,
or you'll lose the kids.
CARLISLE: I don't think
that's your call, Nance.
You think
you know everything?
Certainly not,
just a little more than most.
Little news flash, Roland.
The kids aren't yours.
They're Richard's.
Nancy.
What?
NANCY: Yeah.
So drop this case, Roland,
or you'll never see them again.
It wasn't
a master plan, Roland.
It just happened.
NANCY: Didn't you even wonder
why they don't look like you,
not even slightly?
CARLISLE: All right,
talk time's over.
You're not looking
so smug anymore.
Come on, Richard.
All right.
I want you to drop
by the office, Roland,
and we will figure out
your legal options.
Tara, I want you to do
some research.
Done.
Roland, look at me.
I told you in the beginning
I'd take care of you,
and I will.
MAN: You turned in
your own client?
SHORE: I did.
Do you have any defense?
No.
That's all you have
to say to us, "no."
Well, I thought
if I saved time,
you might go easier.
Mr. Shore, if you find
this amusing--
I find it preposterous,
Your Honor.
A 10-year-old girl climbs
into the witness chair
to declare herself the killer,
the daughter of the defendant.
And what happens?
The Judge says mistrial,
the child goes to jail,
and the only thing
horrifying you
is that I revealed
the double murderer's secret.
Yes, Mr. Shore,
because privilege--
Privilege is fundamental
to the system.
Problem is, Judge,
the system is a disaster.
We have over 10,000
wrongful convictions--
You're not helping yourself.
SHORE: And who might you
be helping, Judge?
Your Honor.
May I be heard?
Who are you?
My name is Eugene Young.
Mr. Shore is a member
of our firm, and as such,
I believe I have standing
to address this tribunal.
And Mr. Shore was doing
so well without you.
I, like this tribunal,
believe lawyer/client privilege
to be sacrosanct,
and that there could be
no greater violation
to this process
than the breach of that trust.
But, Your Honors,
in order for there
to be a breach,
there has to be an underlying
trust to begin with.
Here there wasn't.
Brad Stanfield lied
to Ellenor Frutt
and Jamie Stringer.
He deceived them
for the express purpose
of defrauding the Court.
The fact that
they couldn't trust him
doesn't mean
he wasn't trusting them.
Well, I would submit,
a fiduciary relationship
has to be somewhat mutual.
Beyond that, Alan Shore
had the legal right
to reveal
Mr. Stanfield's secret.
And how do you get that?
Well...
directing
the Court's attention
to the rules
of professional conduct,
rule number 1.6(b)(1).
In one state in this country,
a lawyer may break
client privilege
to prevent the wrongful
incarceration of another.
That state
is Massachusetts.
FLYNN: Mr. Young,
that is an obscure exception,
which, to my knowledge,
has never been relied
upon, ever.
But it is there.
It is written.
The fact that Mr. Shore
is the first to invoke
it does not undermine
its validity.
Technically,
Alan Shore acted legally.
And moreover, Your Honor,
he acted morally.
He did the right thing.
The three of you speak
of prioritizing trust.
But what about the public trust
in our profession?
What about
the erosion of respect
for who and what we are?
Alan Shore is an honorable man.
He saw an unspeakable wrong.
A child imprisoned
for something she didn't commit.
And he acted to right it.
He acted within both
the technical bounds of the law
and the moral bounds
of decency.
Accordingly,
he should neither be suspended,
nor expelled from practice,
because he is just.
He is just.
And, Your Honors...
you need to reach into
yourselves like Alan Shore did,
and do what is right.
I'm sure the whole town's
applauding for you right now.
They probably wanna buy you
a gold watch
or something like that.
I didn't rat you out, Brad.
Neither did Jamie.
It was another lawyer
in our firm.
Are you telling me you had
nothing to do with this?
Oh, I would love
to claim I did.
I wish I had the courage
to throw away my career,
but somebody else
did the dirty work for me.
You're a fan of dirty work,
aren't you?
I'm glad you're enjoying this.
I am.
But you need to remember
two things, Ellenor,
first, I will walk away
from the second trial,
just like I walked away
from the first.
Because you make such
a favorable impression.
People like you.
And second,
when I do walk away,
I'll be looking you up.
Is that a threat?
Of course not.
I don't believe you had nothing
to do with this, Ellenor.
I am in here now,
but I won't be for long.
Keep talking.
I am free to repeat it all.
We're in each other's lives,
Ellenor.
And the story is just beginning.
We've done some research,
and it's not the end
of the world.
Don't handle me!
Even if they're not
your biological children,
they are still yours.
Any child born into marriage
is presumed to be--
I wanna hurt her now.
WILSON: Roland,
I need you to listen to me.
She can't take away
your kids.
Even if they
are Richard's biologically,
legally, we still think
that they're yours.
There are estoppel arguments
to be made against Richard,
and under current
adoption laws--
is he listening to me?
I don't think
he's listening to me.
CARLISLE: We're gonna win
this lawsuit, Roland.
We're gonna try to get
you full custody.
This is gonna backfire
on them.
Promise me that.
Please, promise.
We can't promise,
Roland, but--
CARLISLE: Yes, we can.
I promise, Roland.
I'll win this for you.
WHITE: We are not persuaded
that Mr. Shore
did the moral thing
when he blatantly broke
privilege.
We don't think
he was just at all
when he betrayed his own client.
Mr. Shore, in our view,
you have offended
the very essence
of what it means to be
a Criminal-Defense Attorney.
But technically,
under Rule 1.6(b)(1),
a rule which you probably
weren't even aware of,
were you?
Absolutely.
I read it twice.
Under this obscure provision,
which will undoubtedly be erased
now that someone
has actually invoked it,
you're covered.
We don't have the grounds
to suspend you,
however much we might like to.
We deeply hope
that you will give us
another chance soon.
We're adjourned.
(gavel bangs)
What do you know?
Eugene, thank you.
I did it for the firm.
Don't mistake it
for affection.
Yes.
Thank you.
(music playing)
(doorbell ringing)
WILSON: Roland?
(knocking on door)
WILSON: Roland?
Roland, what's going on?
Are you all right?
Bedroom...
I think I need a lawyer.
Bedroom?
(sighs) I need a lawyer.
I need help.
CARLISLE: Let's go. Come on.
(Joey Dee & The Starliters'
"Peppermint Twist" playing)
(gasps)
Holy Mary, Mother of God.
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be Thy name.
Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done.
Lead us not into temptation...
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom
and the power
and the glory forever.
Amen.
MAN: ♪ Yeah, yeah,
yeah, yeah ♪
♪ Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah ♪
♪ Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah ♪
♪ Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah ♪
(music playing)
WOMAN: You stinker!
(music playing)