Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (TV Series)
Denial (2002)
Joanna Merlin: Judge Lena Petrovsky
Quotes
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Court Clerk : Docket Number 624353: People versus Grace Rinato. Two counts murder, in the second degree. Intent and depraved indifference, one count hindering prosecution, one count tampering with physical evidence.
Judge Lena Petrovsky : How do you plead?
Grace Rinato : Not guilty.
ADA Alexandra Cabot : Remand, Your Honor.
Harding : That's ridiculous. My client has permanent residence, she's gainfully employed by the state, she's not going anywhere.
ADA Alexandra Cabot : The defendant committed murder. She willfully and maliciously beat a two-and-a-half year old child to death, and then callously dumped the remains in a bedroom closet to avoid justice.
Judge Lena Petrovsky : Do you propose to try your case right here, Miss Cabot?
ADA Alexandra Cabot : No, I'm merely using rhetoric to make my point.
Judge Lena Petrovsky : One of your more endearing qualities.
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Judge Lena Petrovsky : Approach.
Judge Lena Petrovsky : [both attorneys approach] There seems to be some error here. There is only one defendant, there should be two.
ADA Alexandra Cabot : I don't understand.
Judge Lena Petrovsky : [scoffs] Your entire case rests upon the word of the victim's drug-addicted sister, who I don't see on my docket. Why is that?
ADA Alexandra Cabot : The People aren't charging her with Lisa Rinato's death.
Judge Lena Petrovsky : Is there any corroboration?
ADA Alexandra Cabot : ...No.
Harding : My client acted to prevent her daughter Claire from being charged with murder.
ADA Alexandra Cabot : The defendant had possession of the body.
Harding : If that's her only argument, then Claire Rinato was also in possession of body parts.
Judge Lena Petrovsky : And if *that*'s true, then it stands to reason that you would charge Claire Rinato as a co-conspirator. So, I expect you to bring charges before the close of business today.
ADA Alexandra Cabot : With all due respect Your Honor, you don't have the right or the authority to tell the District Attorney's office who or when to level charges against.
Judge Lena Petrovsky : Step back.
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ADA Alexandra Cabot : The People have requested remand.
Judge Lena Petrovsky : Well, you're not going to get it. $300,000.
ADA Alexandra Cabot : Objection!
Judge Lena Petrovsky : Overruled.
ADA Alexandra Cabot : Your Honor, I must object. Since you've rebuked me from manipulating the law to my own advantage, your ruling seems... hypocritical.
Judge Lena Petrovsky : That's enough. One more word out of you, and you'll be enjoying my hospitality.
ADA Alexandra Cabot : Ma'am, I urge you to re-consider or you will force me to file a grievance.
Judge Lena Petrovsky : You're in contempt. Bailiff!
[bangs gavel]