L.A. Law (TV Series)

December Bribe (1987)

Kimberly Beck: Nancy Tritchler

Quotes 

• D.A. George Handleman : And at some point, Ms. Tritchler, did you call the police about the phone calls?

  Nancy Tritchler : I had to. I couldn't take it anymore, the vile language, the threats. I had to do something to finally stop her.

  D.A. George Handleman : Thank you. I have nothing further.

  Judge Douglas McGrath : Counselor.

  Abby Perkins : [Clears throat]  Ms. Tritchler, isn't it true that you often forgot to pick up your son after son?

  D.A. George Handleman : Objection, irrelevant.

  Judge Douglas McGrath : Sustained.

  Abby Perkins : It goes to state of mind, Your Honor. I'm trying to established that my client called out of concern because she felt that Ms. Tritchler was neglecting the child.

  D.A. George Handleman : The witness is incompetent to testify as to the defendant's state of mind, but if it'll speed things up, the People will stipulate that the defendant thought the witness was a lousy mother and that she often called to express that sentiment. The People will also stipulate that the defendant's son felt exactly the same way.

  Judge Douglas McGrath : Is that where you're going, Ms. Perkins, to show this woman these calls to criticize this woman's maternal performance?

  Abby Perkins : Yes.

  Judge Douglas McGrath : Well, then I don't...

  Abby Perkins : Well, no, I mean, she called for more than that. She also call to provide information.

  Judge Douglas McGrath : You may proceed within that scope.

• Abby Perkins : Ms. Tritchler, didn't my client sometimes call to tell you things like where the boy could be picked up or what time he should be dropped off?

  Nancy Tritchler : No. His father would do that. She would only call to berate me.

  Delores Kirby : Like bloody hell.

  Judge Douglas McGrath : I will not tolerate any more of that, Mrs. Kilby.

  Abby Perkins : Isn't it true that she would sometimes call to ask you legitimate questions?

  Nancy Tritchler : She would, uh, call to tell me that I was the worst thing that ever happened to her son and that I was probably the worst thing that ever happened to my son.

  Abby Perkins : I have nothing further.

  D.A. George Handleman : The People rest, Your Honor.

  Judge Douglas McGrath : You may step down, Mrs. Tritchler.

  Abby Perkins : Um... Uh, the defense calls Delores Kirby.

  [Nancy Tritchler heads back to her seat. And Delores Kirby will take a stand. This'll take a few minutes] 

• Abby Perkins : Mrs. Kirby, could you tell the court what occasioned you to telephone the complainant repeatedly over the last 2 months?

  Delores Kirby : I was worried about my grandson.

  Abby Perkins : What specifically bothered you, Mrs. Kirby?

  Delores Kirby : Well, all her men friends, for one thing. She lives the life of a whore.

  Nancy Tritchler : I want that on the record.

  Judge Douglas McGrath : Sit down, Ms. Tritchler.

  Delores Kirby : I don't think it's right that a 9-year-old boy should be brought up in that environment. I called to express my opinion. That's all.

  Abby Perkins : Now, Mrs. Kirby, the records indicate that sometimes you would call as many as 6 times a day.

  Delores Kirby : Most of those calls were to my grandson. I'd call, and he's be out playing, so I'd call back later. Can I help it if that filthy little slut keeps answering?

  Nancy Tritchler : I want that on the record...

  Judge Douglas McGrath : Will somebody please shut...

  Delores Kirby : Over your dead body.

  Judge Douglas McGrath : That's enough.

  Abby Perkins : Mrs. Kirby! Is it your testimony then that you made these calls to your ex-daughter-law not with the intent to annoy or harass, but simply out of concern for the welfare of your grandson?

  Delores Kirby : Yes, it is.

  Abby Perkins : Thank you. I have nothing further.

  D.A. George Handleman : No cross.

  Judge Douglas McGrath : Mrs. Kirby, you're excused.