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#524 : Poison

Titre original: Poison
Script: M.Fazekas, T.Butters
Réal: D.Platt
1ère diff.US: 11/05/04 sur la NBC
1ère diff.FR: 05/02/05 sur TF1

Synopsis: Une mère est accusée d'avoir empoisonné sa fille adoptive. Benson et Stabler enquêtent.

Résumé:

Novak demande à Clark de l'aider à trouver des preuves qui lui permettraient de faire radier du barreau un juge qu'elle estime responsable de la mort d'un enfant et de l'incarcération abusive d'une femme. Tout commence quelque temps plus tôt. Une fillette est retrouvée morte, empoisonnée. Rapidement, les policiers orientent leurs recherches vers la famille de la petite victime et plus particulièrement vers la mère, qu'ils retiennent comme principale suspecte, arrêtent et défèrent devant le tribunal. La jeune femme est inculpée d'homicide, bien qu'elle persiste à nier les faits et à clamer son innocence.

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(A hospital room.  A four-year-old girl—Alexis Campbell—is lying unconscious on the bed with a tube in her throat.  Her aunt—Wendy Campbell—and Detective Benson are at the foot of the bed. Wendy is holding an infant.)

Wendy Campbell
The doctors said if she survives, she'll be brain-damaged.

Det. Olivia Benson
Now, were you with your niece when she got sick?

Wendy Campbell
My brother called, frantic.  Alexis wasn't breathing.  Pete wanted me to meet him here, to help take care of the kids while they talked to the doctors.

Det. Olivia Benson
How long has Alexis lived with them?

Wendy Campbell
He and Karen adopted her from Romania last year, when she was three.

(Wendy sets the infant down in a double stroller, next to his twin.)

Wendy Campbell
And these two were a surprise.  They were born right after the adoption.  The hospital called you because they think Alexis was poisoned.

Det. Olivia Benson
What do you think?

Wendy Campbell
My sister-in-law did it.  She's so cruel to her.  Never a kind word, never a kiss or a hug.

Det. Olivia Benson
And how does she treat the other children?

Wendy Campbell
Karen dotes on the twins and Katie.  Alexis she sees as a burden.

Det. Olivia Benson
How old is Katie?

Wendy Campbell
Seven.

Det. Olivia Benson
Do you think she might be able to tell us what happened?

Wendy Campbell
She loves Alexis.  I hope so.
 


 

(Hospital Waiting Room.  The Campbell's seven-year-old daughter Katie is playing with Lego's.  Stabler is talking to her.)

Det. Elliot Stabler
Can you tell me what happened when you came home from school today?

Katie Campbell
I watched SpongeBob.

Det. Elliot Stabler
Where was Alexis?

Katie Campbell
In the corner in the kitchen.

Det. Elliot Stabler
What was she doing in the corner?

Katie Campbell
When she's bad, Mommy puts her there and makes her practice her numbers.  She can only count to ten, so she has to do it over and over and over.

Det. Elliot Stabler
What kind of bad things does she do?

Katie Campbell
Today she wrote on the wall with a crayon.

Det. Elliot Stabler
Did you see Alexis drink or eat anything bad today?

Katie Campbell
She drank the soapy water.

Det. Elliot Stabler
What soapy water?

Katie Campbell
Mommy gave Alexis a pail to wash the wall.  She was crying, so Mommy put the sponge in her mouth.  She kept spitting it out.  Mommy got mad.

Det. Elliot Stabler
And when Mommy got mad, what did she do then?

Katie Campbell
She made it all soapy again and put it back in her mouth.  Alexis was coughing.

Det. Elliot Stabler
Then what happened?

Katie Campbell
She threw up.  She kept trying to sit down, but Mommy made her stand in the corner again.  When Daddy came home, Alexis fell, and she wouldn't get up.

(Karen and Pete Campbell—Katie's parents—come up behind Stabler and Katie.)

Karen Campbell
Katie?

(Katie runs up and hugs Karen.)

Katie Campbell
Mommy.

Karen Campbell
The doctor said that you needed to see us.

(Benson walks into the waiting room, as does Wendy Campbell, pushing the twins' stroller.)

Det. Olivia Benson
Why don't you let Katie say goodnight to Alexis?

(Wendy takes Katie's hand.  They head for Alexis' room.)

Wendy Campbell
Come on, sweetheart.

Pete Campbell
What's wrong?

Det. Olivia Benson
We'd like both of you to come to our precinct.

Karen Campbell
We have to get the children home.

Det. Elliot Stabler
Lady, if I have anything to say about it, you'll never see those kids again.  You're under arrest.

Pete Campbell
What?

Det. Elliot Stabler
For the attempted murder of your adopted daughter.  You have the right to remain silent...

(Stabler leads Karen out.  Benson walks out with Pete.)

Det. Olivia Benson
Let's go.
 

Opening Credits
 

(Interview room.  Karen Campbell is there, as are Benson and Stabler, and Karen's defense attorney Oliver Gates.)

Karen Campbell
Look, you're making a mistake.  I love Alexis.

Det. Olivia Benson
Not according to your sister-in-law.

Karen Campbell
Wendy never liked me.  You can't listen to her.

Det. Elliot Stabler
Can we listen to Katie, Mrs. Campbell?

Oliver Gates
Oh, sure, Detectives, because seven-year-olds are so reliable.  Tomorrow she'll tell you that a pony with wings lives in her closet.

Det. Elliot Stabler
So Katie made the whole thing up, huh?  Like how you shoved a sponge full of soapy water into Alexis' mouth, repeatedly, while she gagged and cried?

Karen Campbell
I don't know where Katie would get that.

Det. Elliot Stabler
Then you made her stand in a corner, counting, until she collapsed?

Oliver Gates
Plenty of children accidentally ingest household poisons.  Sad, but it's a fact of life.  It's not a crime.

Det. Olivia Benson
So it was an accident?

Karen Campbell
I feel terrible that I wasn't paying enough attention.  But I can't possibly be everywhere at once.  I have four children.  I'm a good mother.  I would never hurt Alexis.
 


 

(Other Interview Room.  Pete Campbell is in this one, along with Munch and Fin.)

Pete Campbell
Why don't you believe me?

Det. John Munch
We do, Mr. Campbell.  That's why you're not under arrest.

Pete Campbell
My wife did nothing wrong.

Det. Odafin Tutuola
But you couldn't know what your wife did.  You were gone all day

Pete Campbell
I told you, when I got home from work, Alexis had stopped breathing and Karen was hysterical.  If we wanted to poison Alexis, why would we rush her to the hospital?

Det. John Munch
Actually, I'm interested in why your wife does the things she does.

Pete Campbell
Like what?

Det. John Munch
Berate and emotionally abuse your adopted daughter.

Pete Campbell
That's a lie!

Det. Odafin Tutuola
Calling your sister a liar?  She says Karen treats that girl worse than a dog.

Pete Campbell
Wendy was always jealous of my wife.  How can I make you understand?  Karen loved Alexis.

Det. John Munch
You mean "loves" Alexis, don't you, Mr. Campbell?  Present tense?  The girl's not dead yet.
 


 

(Outside interview rooms.  Huang, Novak, Benson and Stabler are discussing the case.)

Dr. George Huang
The emergency room pumped two cups of detergent out of Alexis' stomach.

Det. Elliot Stabler
Mrs. Campbell's accident story is a bunch of crap.  There is no kid who's going to drink two cups of that stuff willingly.

Det. Olivia Benson
What about the dear old dad?  He had to know that his wife hated that kid.

A.D.A. Casey Novak
He wasn't home, so he's not criminally responsible.

Det. Elliot Stabler
But we've got the mother, right?

A.D.A. Casey Novak
How's the seven-year-old?

Det. Elliot Stabler
Solid.

(Stabler heads toward the bullpen.)

A.D.A. Casey Novak
No chance you influenced her statement?

Det. Elliot Stabler
None.  Counselor, I've been doing this a little bit longer than you.

A.D.A. Casey Novak
Just making sure we're covered.  Children under nine aren't automatically considered swearable.

Dr. George Huang
I can talk to her.  If she knows the difference between a lie than the truth and the consequences of telling a lie in court, then she can testify.
 
 

SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT
CHILDREN'S INTERVIEW ROOM
TUESDAY, MARCH 9

 

(Huang and Katie Campbell are sitting at a small table, coloring with crayons.)

Dr. George Huang
Okay, tell me what color that is.

Katie Campbell
Purple.

Dr. George Huang
What if I said it was orange?  Would that be the truth or would that be a lie?

Katie Campbell
A lie.

Dr. George Huang
How come?

Katie Campbell
Because it's purple.

Dr. George Huang
Right.  Let me ask you something about—about promises.  If you promise your mother that you're going to clean your room and then you don't do it, what happens?

Katie Campbell
I get in trouble.

Dr. George Huang
Why is that?

Katie Campbell
Because I promised.

Dr. George Huang
Right again.  You're really good.  Do you ever go to church sometimes?

(Katie nods.)

Dr. George Huang
Who lives in church?

Katie Campbell
God.

Dr. George Huang
Are you allowed to lie to God?

Katie Campbell
No.

Dr. George Huang
If you make a promise to God that you're only going to tell the truth, do you have to keep that promise?

(Katie nods.)

Dr. George Huang
What if you tell a lie?

Katie Campbell
You really, really get in trouble.
 


 

(Courthouse.  Judge Oliver Taft is walking down the corridor, with Novak and Oliver Gates close behind.)

Judge Oliver Taft
Your chief witness is the defendant's seven-year-old daughter?  That sounds a bit imprudent.

A.D.A. Casey Novak
Prior courts have held otherwise, Your Honor.  Rittenhouse v. North Hempstead found a three-year-old wasn't automatically presumed incompetent to testify.

Judge Oliver Taft
Ah, but you're in my court now.

Oliver Gates
And La Plant v. Atias disqualified a seven-year-old witness.  It's completely subjective.

A.D.A. Casey Novak
Which is why a psychiatrist examined Katie Campbell and determined she understands her duty to tell the truth.

Judge Oliver Taft
I'm sure the People won't mind if I determine that myself.

A.D.A. Casey Novak
Oh, it's not necessary, Your Honor.

Judge Oliver Taft
But again, it's in my court.  Produce the girl and I'll conduct the swearability examination in chambers.  And by the way, Ms. Novak, when you appear in my courtroom, I would appreciate you were dressed appropriately.  By that I mean in a skirt. 9 a.m. tomorrow, Counselors.

(Taft exits.)
 


 

(Judge Taft's Chambers.  Taft is at his desk.  Katie Campbell is in a chair next to him.  Novak and Gates are seated across from the desk.  A court reporter is typing in the corner.)

Judge Oliver Taft
I don't want you to be afraid, Ms. Campbell.  I just want you to answer the questions as honestly as you can.  Understand?

(Katie Campbell nods.)

Judge Oliver Taft
You have to speak up for the lady typing.  Now, Ms. Campbell, do you understand the difference between the truth and a lie?

Katie Campbell
Yeah.

Judge Oliver Taft
If you told us about something that you did not see or hear, would that be the truth or a lie?

Katie Campbell
What?

Judge Oliver Taft
Do you understand the question?

Katie Campbell
Um...

Judge Oliver Taft
Speak aloud.

(Katie says nothing.)

Judge Oliver Taft
Let the record show that the witness is unable to answer the question.  (to Katie)  If you came in to court, raised your right hand, and you swore to tell the truth, and you told a lie, what do you think would happen to you?

(Katie begins to cry.)

Katie Campbell
I don't know.

Judge Oliver Taft
Do you know what the word "truth" means?

(Katie shakes her head "no.")

Judge Oliver Taft
Thank you, you're excused.

(Novak holds the door open, and Katie runs out.)

Judge Oliver Taft
Well, I think that answers the question of swearability.

A.D.A. Casey Novak
With all due respect, Your Honor, I was confused by those questions.

Judge Oliver Taft
I wouldn't go around admitting that, Ms. Novak.

Oliver Gates
Defense moves for a dismissal.  Without the People's witness, there's no case.

A.D.A. Casey Novak
Your Honor didn't say she can't testify, she just can't be sworn.  Her statement can be corroborated by the detergent found in the victim's stomach.

Oliver Gates
Evidence which also corroborates an accidental ingestion.

A.D.A. Casey Novak
It might.  Why don't we let a jury decide?

Judge Oliver Taft
Mr. Gates, I'm inclined to agree with Ms. Novak.

Oliver Gates
Then I move to suppress the girl's testimony, Your Honor.  She spoke with an SVU detective alone, without parental supervision.

A.D.A. Casey Novak
That's standard procedure.  Child witnesses don't need parental supervision.

Oliver Gates
We can't be sure anything this girl said wasn't influenced by the police.

A.D.A. Casey Novak
SVU detectives are trained to interview children--

Judge Oliver Taft
And I'd love to hear all about that.  I'm ordering a Hudy hearing.  You detective proves he didn't tell young Ms. Campbell what to say, I'll allow her testimony.
 
 

HUDY HEARING
PART 33
THURSDAY, MARCH 11

 

(Courtroom.  Stabler is in the witness box.  Gates and Karen Campbell are at their desk.  Judge Taft is presiding.  Novak is examining Stabler.)

A.D.A. Casey Novak
Detective Stabler, at any point during your questioning of Katie Campbell, did you suggest her mother was responsible for poisoning the victim?

Det. Elliot Stabler
Never.  In fact, Katie introduced her mother into the conversation without any prompting.

A.D.A. Casey Novak
Did you vilify or criticize her mother in a way that would influence her statement?

Det. Elliot Stabler
I expressed no opinion about the defendant.

A.D.A. Casey Novak
Thank you.  Nothing further, Your Honor.

(Novak sits.  Gates rises.)

Oliver Gates
Why haven't we heard the audiotape of this interview, Detective Stabler?

Det. Elliot Stabler
Standard procedure does not require police to record interviews with witnesses.

Oliver Gates
How convenient.  So if you make a mistake, no one will hear it.

Det. Elliot Stabler
I didn't make a mistake.

Oliver Gates
In general, when a child is injured, who is your first suspect?

Det. Elliot Stabler
Depends on the circumstances.

Oliver Gates
Ah, come on, Detective, isn't it true you look to the parents before anyone else?

Det. Elliot Stabler
When the situation warrants it, yes.

Oliver Gates
Are you out to get Karen Campbell?

Det. Elliot Stabler
Of course not.

Oliver Gates
Didn't you tell my client that if you had anything to do with it, she'd never see her kids again?

(Novak looks to Stabler, as if to say, "You said that?")

Det. Elliot Stabler
That's out of context.

Oliver Gates
Yes or no, Detective?

Det. Elliot Stabler
Yes.

Oliver Gates
It sounds like you had some pretty strong feelings about my client's guilt the moment you met her.

Det. Elliot Stabler
My feelings have nothing to do with any of this.

Oliver Gates
Now you assumed my client was guilty, and it influenced how you questioned her seven-year-old daughter.

Det. Elliot Stabler
That's completely false.  I know how to conduct an interview.

Oliver Gates
Thank you, Detective.  Nothing further.

(Gates sits down.  Stabler is livid.)

Judge Oliver Taft
You're excused, Detective.

(Stabler gets out of the witness box and heads toward the gallery.)

Judge Oliver Taft
Ms. Novak, I'm afraid the People haven't met their burden of proving the interview wasn't suggestive.  Therefore the defense's motion to suppress the witness' testimony is granted.

Det. Elliot Stabler
(under his breath)
This is a joke.

Judge Oliver Taft
I beg your pardon, Detective Stabler?

Det. Elliot Stabler
I said this is a joke.

Judge Oliver Taft
You'd be wise to remember no one cares what you think once you're out of that box, Detective.

Det. Elliot Stabler
The interview wasn't suggestive.

A.D.A. Casey Novak
Elliot, stop--

Det. Elliot Stabler
You're one of those judges who think cops strong-arm witnesses in order to make their case. What, do you think I bullied a seven-year-old into lying?

A.D.A. Casey Novak
Elliot, leave.

Judge Oliver Taft
No, Elliot, stay.  Enjoy the hospitality of our holding cells.  You're in contempt.  Officer of the court, escort the Detective out of here.

(Two police officers lead Stabler out of the courtroom.)
 


 

(Jail.  Novak enters and sees Stabler in a holding cell, lying on the bench, using his suit jacket as a pillow.)

A.D.A. Casey Novak
You all right?

Det. Elliot Stabler
I'm great.  Thanks for getting me a couple hours off.

A.D.A. Casey Novak
You're not blaming this on me.

(A police officer lets Stabler out of the holding cell.  He and Novak walk down the corridor.)

Det. Elliot Stabler
Well, you did let that defense attorney trash me pretty good in that courtroom.

A.D.A. Casey Novak
Yeah, and that stunt that you pulled, that's gonna help ensure that Judge Taft is gonna screw me in the trial.  But, hey, at least your ego's still intact.

Det. Elliot Stabler
My ego?  You got me out to talk about my ego?

A.D.A. Casey Novak
I did not get you out of there.

(Judge Mary Conway Clark is standing at the end of the corridor.)

Judge Mary Conway Clark
(to Stabler) &nbps;I called in a favor.  The contempt citation is withdrawn.  So if you could possibly stop acting like a petulant child, that will be thanks enough.
(to Novak)  And you.  You need to start playing nice with Oliver Taft.

A.D.A. Casey Novak
This guy is an arrogant prick.

Judge Mary Conway Clark
True.  And he completely takes issue with young attorneys who think they know more about the law than he does.

Det. Elliot Stabler
And you're worried about my ego.  This guy abuses his power and gets away with it.

Judge Mary Conway Clark
You didn't help the situation by mouthing off to the trial judge.  This isn't law school, Casey.  This is the real world.  Pick your battles.  Winning the trial is more important than wearing a skirt. 


 TRIAL PART 33
MONDAY, APRIL 19


 

(Taft's courtroom.  Gates and Karen Campbell are at their desk, Novak is at hers.)

Judge Oliver Taft
If there are no other matters, let's start jury selection tomorrow morning.  Amenable?

Oliver Gates
No conflicts, Your Honor.

A.D.A. Casey Novak
That's fine, Your Honor.

Judge Oliver Taft
It's no nice when we can all get along.  Assault One seems reasonable, but we're not overreaching with the attempted murder charge, are we, Ms. Novak?

A.D.A. Casey Novak
The grand jury didn't think so, Your Honor.

Judge Oliver Taft
Fine.  Just wanted to be sure.

Oliver Gates
Actually, Your Honor, the defense has one more matter.  My client would like to waive her right to a jury trial in favor of proceeding before the court.

A.D.A. Casey Novak
Your Honor, this is strategy.  People v. Williams.  A waiver can be denied if it's intended to seek an impermissible advantage.

Judge Oliver Taft
What advantage, Ms. Novak?

A.D.A. Casey Novak
Your perceived favor, sir.

Judge Oliver Taft
Hmm.  Waiving a jury trial is more a risk to the defendant than the prosecution.  Convincing twelve people of guilt is harder than convincing one judge.  But if your client understands the consequences of her waiver, I'll grant it.

(Karen Campbell stands)

Karen Campbell
I do, Your Honor.

Judge Oliver Taft
Very well.  Then we proceed directly to trial.

(Gates and Karen Campbell sit.  Novak remains standing.)

Judge Oliver Taft
Something else, Ms. Novak?

A.D.A. Casey Novak
Yes, sir.  The People request that Your Honor recuse himself from this trial.

Judge Oliver Taft
On what grounds?

A.D.A. Casey Novak
That your conduct indicates a clear bias toward the defense.  Recusing yourself now would preserve the appearance of impartiality on the part of this court.

(Gates stands)

Judge Oliver Taft
Judges are charged to examine their conscience for any hint of bias and then decide accordingly.  Perhaps we could do that more often?  I'm satisfied that I'm impartial in this case.  Your motion is denied, Ms. Novak, but I do thank you for your candor.  Opening arguments tomorrow morning.

(Gavel pounds)
 


 

(Sidewalk Café.  Novak and Mary Conway Clark are sitting at a table.)

Judge Mary Conway Clark
You asked an egomaniac to recuse himself?

A.D.A. Casey Novak
He as much as told the defense that if they waived a jury, he'd acquit.  "You were reaching with the attempted murder charge, Ms. Novak."  What the hell is that?

Judge Mary Conway Clark
It's a tactic.  He's trying to get you to plead out the case and make his life easier.

(Mary starts going through a pile of Novak's papers and looks through her appointment book.)

Judge Mary Conway Clark
You're staying the trial?  Why?

A.D.A. Casey Novak
To get Taft recused or disqualified.  I've got an appearance before an appellate judge this afternoon.

Judge Mary Conway Clark
It's one thing to ask for a recusal, but to publicly humiliate a judge?  You'll be the enemy in every courtroom in Manhattan.

A.D.A. Casey Novak
I'm already the enemy as far as Taft is concerned.

Judge Mary Conway Clark
The trial judge is the sole arbiter of recusal.  If Taft believes he's impartial, the Appellate Term will have no reason to find otherwise.

A.D.A. Casey Novak
So a biased judge gets to decide if he's biased.

Judge Mary Conway Clark
Yes.  That's our legal system, so work within it.  Plead out the case, or you're looking at an acquittal.
 


 

(Courthouse.  Novak gets off the elevator.  Stabler is waiting for her, with a file folder in hand.)

A.D.A. Casey Novak
Bad news travels fast.  We have to plead Karen Campbell out, Elliot.  I have no choice.

Det. Elliot Stabler
Don't be so sure.

(Stabler shows Novak the file.)

Det. Elliot Stabler
Records of the agency the Campbells used to adopt Alexis.  Karen tried to give her back.

A.D.A. Casey Novak
When?

Det. Elliot Stabler
February of this year, six months after they adopted her.  Yeah, if she loved her so much she wouldn't hurt Alexis.  Bull.

A.D.A. Casey Novak
Let's see Taft try and throw this out.
 
 

TRIAL PART 33
TUESDAY, APRIL 20


 

(Taft's Courtroom.  Karen is in the witness box.  Gates is examining her.  Novak is at her desk.)

Karen Campbell
I was feeling overwhelmed with the twins.  I admit that.  And I'm embarrassed that I could even think of giving Alexis to someone else.  But it was only because I thought she'd be better off with a mother that could be devoted to her.

Oliver Gates
And you couldn't do that?

Karen Campbell
No.  And if I'm guilty of anything, it's of not being able to keep my eye on her all the time.

Oliver Gates
After you discovered that Alexis had gotten into the detergent, how did she act?

Karen Campbell
Fine.  Until she threw up.  But my other daughter had the stomach flew the week before and I had just thought that she caught it.  And then she passed out.  She turned blue.  My husband came home from work and we rushed her to the hospital.

Oliver Gates
Thank you, Mrs. Campbell. (to Novak) Your witness.

A.D.A. Casey Novak
You say Alexis was fine.  All day?

Karen Campbell
Yes.

A.D.A. Casey Novak
I'd like the court reporter to read back the testimony of Dr. Langenhahn, the pediatrician, regarding the exact nature of Alexis' injuries.

Court Reporter
Dr. Langenhahn: "The victim suffered pneumonitis from vomiting and then aspirating the cleaning solution, causing her to slowly suffocate."  Ms. Novak: "What symptoms would someone with pneumonitis exhibit?"  Dr. Langenhahn: "Intense coughing, labored breathing, vomiting.  The victim would have been in excruciating pain for hours."

A.D.A. Casey Novak
"Excruciating pain for hours."  Does that sound like Alexis was fine?

Karen Campbell
No.  What the doctor said is not true.  Alexis was okay.

A.D.A. Casey Novak
You knew she'd ingested cleaning solution that afternoon.  Why didn't you take her to the hospital then?

Karen Campbell
I didn't know how much.

A.D.A. Casey Novak
When you finally did take her to the emergency room, were you afraid the doctors might suspect that you poisoned her?

Karen Campbell
No!

A.D.A. Casey Novak
Isn't that why you delayed getting your daughter medical attention, Mrs. Campbell?  Because you were more concerned about getting in trouble than saving your daughter's life.

Karen Campbell
No, I love Alexis.

Oliver Gates
Objection.  She's badgering.

Judge Oliver Taft
Sustained.

(Novak looks over a Taft, who stares back at her.  A tense moment.)

A.D.A. Casey Novak
Nothing further.
 


 

(Taft's Courtroom, later.  Taft is ready to give his verdict.)

Judge Oliver Taft
There is little doubt in anyone's mind that the events leading up to Alexis Campbell's terrible injuries are tragic and regrettable.  And no matter the outcome of these proceedings, a little girl will never be the same.  Mrs. Campbell, please rise.

(She does so, as does Gates.)

Judge Oliver Taft
After considering all the facts and weighing the importance of the witness testimony, I find that there is a single piece of evidence that is paramount throughout this trial.  And that is the fact that you love your daughter.  And because of that, I believe that you did not force or encourage her to drink a poisonous substance.  This was a tragedy, in some ways compounded by this trial.  I will not compound it further.  Not guilty on all charges.

(Gavel pounds.  Taft leaves the bench.  Gates and Karen Campbell hug.)

Karen Campbell
Thank you.  Thank you so much.

(Stabler, in the gallery, is dumbfounded.  As is Novak.)
 


 

(Outside Courthouse.  Novak approaches Stabler.)

A.D.A. Casey Novak
I'm sorry.

Det. Elliot Stabler
Don't be.  Look, I know you went to the mat on this one.  Sometimes it just doesn't work out.

A.D.A. Casey Novak
I want Taft off the bench.

Det. Elliot Stabler
And I want a '65 Stingray.

A.D.A. Casey Novak
No, I'm serious.  I'm going after him.

Det. Elliot Stabler
Casey, it's not worth it.  Look, what good does it do anybody for you to kill your career?

A.D.A. Casey Novak
If this is justice, I don't want this career.

(Casey turns to go, with Stabler following.)
 


 

(Mary Conway Clark's Law Office.  Clark is in a meeting with colleagues and sees Novak.  She excuses herself and meets her.)

Judge Mary Conway Clark
Casey, what's wrong?

A.D.A. Casey Novak
I need a favor.

Judge Mary Conway Clark
If this is about Taft, forget it.

A.D.A. Casey Novak
I've been going through his decisions over the past ten years.  He's capricious, he disregards procedure on a whim.  He dismissed assault charges without a motion and without a hearing, and he repeatedly sets exorbitant bail to force pleas.

Judge Mary Conway Clark
Casey, this is a total waste of time.

A.D.A. Casey Novak
And, every attorney that asks for Taft's recusal, they lose, including another child-poisoning case, The People v. Rosalin Silvo.

Judge Mary Conway Clark
All right, let me see it.

A.D.A. Casey Novak
Here are the transcripts.  Silvo takes her daughter to the emergency room, she gets arrested for poisoning her with antifreeze.  She waives her jury at the trial, Taft disallows an expert witness who's gonna testify that her daughter has a genetic disease.  So Silvo's attorney asks for Taft's recusal.  Silvo's doing twenty-five to life.  Do you know what this is?

Judge Mary Conway Clark
You don't know what this is.  You have no idea what the circumstances were.

A.D.A. Casey Novak
This is grounds for getting his ass thrown off the bench.  I need you to call Jack Dryer at the State Commission on Judicial Conduct and ask if anyone's filed any confidential complaints against Taft.

Judge Mary Conway Clark
No.  Absolutely not.  You want to talk to Dryer, be my guest.  But I guarantee you he's going to laugh you out of his office.

A.D.A. Casey Novak
I'm asking you to make one phone call.

Judge Mary Conway Clark
And I'm telling you that nothing you've shown me proves that Taft's done anything unethical or improper.  You find such proof, bring it to me.  Otherwise, I am done with this, Casey.
 


 

(City Street.  Novak is walking and talking with Rosalin Silvo's original defense attorney, Lawrence Alcott)

Lawrence Alcott
Judge Taft is a pompous son of a bitch.  I left criminal law because of him.

A.D.A. Casey Novak
What'd he do?

Lawrence Alcott
For starters, wrongfully convicted my client of a crime she didn't commit.

A.D.A. Casey Novak
Your expert witness was ready to testify that her baby had a rare disease.

Lawrence Alcott
He was a genetics professor.  He believed the antifreeze evidence was a lab mistake.  All I needed was the money to pay for the test.

A.D.A. Casey Novak
And because you were court-appointed, Judge Taft had to approve all expenses.

Lawrence Alcott
He called the test "junk science" and wouldn't even let me introduce the theory.

A.D.A. Casey Novak
Yeah, well, he's changed.  The Taft I know is a crusader for mothers.

Lawrence Alcott
Oh, wait, let me guess.  You prosecuted June Cleaver.  Wealthy, educated, husband still in the picture?

A.D.A. Casey Novak
You think he's got some kind of class bias?

Lawrence Alcott
I think he's got a real specific idea of what a good mother is and Rosalin Silvo did not fit that mold.  Poor, uneducated, no husband, two kids by two fathers.  He thought she was a slut and he didn't even try to hide is contempt.  After he denied my recusal motion, he let the word out to other judges and all my referrals dried up.  I liked my job, but if I'd stayed, he would have ruined me.

A.D.A. Casey Novak
I'm getting Taft off the bench.  I need you to file a joint complaint with me to the judicial commission.

Lawrence Alcott
You're nuts.  I'm not going near this.

A.D.A. Casey Novak
So he puts an innocent woman in jail and that's okay with you?

Lawrence Alcott
Your office helped put her in jail.  Why don't you do something to help get her out?
 


 

(SVU squadroom bullpen.  Benson, Stabler, Novak, Cragen, Munch, and Tutuola are discussing the Rosalin Silvo case.)

Det. Olivia Benson
August 2, 1993, Rosalin Silvo shows up at St. Mary's ER with her one-year-old daughter, Christine.  The baby was lethargic, vomiting, and having difficulty breathing.  Docs ran tests and found high levels of ethylene glycol in her blood.

Det. John Munch
That's the active ingredient in antifreeze.

Det. Elliot Stabler
Christine was dead within hours.  The hospital notified police she'd been poisoned.  Rosalin was charged with murder.

(Cragen is looking at the files and sees a photo of another infant.)

Capt. Donald Cragen
Well, who's this other kid?

Det. John Munch
They found out that Silvo was pregnant during her trial, had the kid in prison.  She's still in foster care.

Det. Olivia Benson
Here's the interesting thing: Cops never found antifreeze at Silvo's apartment.

Capt. Donald Cragen
She could have tossed it on the way to the hospital.  What did the ME's office say?

Det. Odafin Tutuola
Confirmed the hospital's findings.  Autopsy showed crystals in the baby's brain that could've been caused by drinking antifreeze.

Capt. Donald Cragen
And they never turned up anything about this mystery genetic disease?

A.D.A. Casey Novak
Well, there was a preliminary hearing about some cousin on the father's side who allegedly died of the same disease.  But the defense lawyer couldn't find the dad, so Taft wouldn't allow the information to be introduced.

Capt. Donald Cragen
I'm all for getting an innocent woman out of jail, if she's innocent, but we don't have the manpower to fuel a vendetta, Casey.

Det. Elliot Stabler
You know, Captain, it's really not that much work.  I think we can swing it.

Capt. Donald Cragen
Thank you for being such a real helper, Elliot.

A.D.A. Casey Novak
It's two interviews.  The mother and the genetics professor who was supposed to testify.  If nothing pans out, I'll drop it.

Capt. Donald Cragen
Make it quick.
 
 

HUDSON UNIVERSITY
DEPARTMENT OF GENETICS
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 21


 

(Munch and Tutuola are speaking with William Keldon, the doctor who was supposed to testify for Rosalin Silvo ten years ago.)

Det. John Munch
Do you think that Rosalin Silvo was innocent, Dr. Keldon?

William Keldon
It was a theory, in the end an untested one, but it was possible her child had MMA.  Methylmalonic Acidemia.

Det. Odafin Tutuola
What is it?

William Keldon
The body lacks an enzyme to break down protein for energy production.  Untreated, it — it can be fatal.

Det. John Munch
The girl was a year old when she died.  Wouldn't the mother have known something was wrong?

William Keldon
Symptoms often don't appear for several months to over a year.

Det. Odafin Tutuola
Why did the hospital say the baby was poisoned with antifreeze?

William Keldon
Their lab found what they thought was ethylene glycol in the girl's blood using gas chromatography.  But MMA produces a substance that the older tests mistook for ethylene glycol.

Det. John Munch
Would a newer test be able to tell the difference?

William Keldon
Definitely.  I just never got the chance to use it.
 


 

(Jail Interview Room.  Rosalin Silvo is talking with Benson and Stabler.)

Rosalin Silvo
I kept waiting for someone to figure it out, you know?  That it was all a mistake.

Det. Elliot Stabler
Don't get your hopes up yet.  There's no guarantee our investigation will get you out.

Rosalin Silvo
I know.  And it's okay if you think I'm guilty.  I probably would if I were you.  I think my daughter does sometimes.  You want to see her picture?

Det. Olivia Benson
Sure.  

(Rosalin Silvo pulls a photo out of her breast pocket.)

Det. Olivia Benson
She's about what, ten now, right?

Rosalin Silvo
Diana.  She's living with a real nice foster family.  She writes me letters and visits once in a while, but I don't know if that's so good.  This place isn't right for a kid.

(Stabler leads Rosalin Silvo to a table in the middle of the room.  They both sit.)

Det. Elliot Stabler
Your lawyer thinks that Christine died of a rare disease.  What do you think?

Rosalin Silvo
She must have, she died.

Det. Olivia Benson
Was she sick a lot?

Rosalin Silvo
No.  She was fussy sometimes, but mostly she was very happy.  Maybe I wasn't paying attention.

Det. Elliot Stabler
But she was sick when you took her to the hospital?

Rosalin Silvo
She was throwing up and she wasn't breathing right.  Everybody at the hospital was really nice to me until they did the tests.  They started talking about antifreeze and poisoning, and I'm thinking: "My God, who would do this to my baby?"  Then the cops shows up and arrested me.  Christine died while they were taking my mug shots.

(Stabler takes a deep breath.)

Det. Elliot Stabler
We would like your permission to exhume Christine's body.  And if there's any chance of proving that she wasn't murdered, that's what's got to be done.

(Rosalin Silvo gets choked up and teary-eyed.)

Rosalin Silvo
Diana asks me about her.  I tell her Christine smiled all the time.  That's what I like to remember.  Not all this.
(her voice becomes a whisper)
Make sure they're good to her, okay?

(Stabler nods.)
 
 

OFFICE OF
THE MEDICAL EXAMINER
FRIDAY, APRIL 23


 

(M.E. Warner is telling Stabler and Benson what she gathered after examining Christine Silvo's body.)

M.E. Melinda Warner
We got lucky.  Enough DNA from hair to test for the genetic mutation.

Det. Olivia Benson
Did the baby have MMA?

M.E. Melinda Warner
Without a doubt.  But MMA doesn't explain the calcium oxalate crystals the medical examiner found in the brain.
(indicates the slides on the X-Ray viewer.)
These head CTs were in her medical records.
(points to a cross-section of the baby's brain. &nbps;There are crystals along the edge of it.)
The crystallization is consistent with ethylene glycol poisoning.

Det. Elliot Stabler
Okay, so where did they come from?

M.E. Melinda Warner
The hospital treated the baby with an ethanol drip.  The right thing to do for antifreeze poisoning, exactly the wrong thing to do for a child with MMA.  The ethanol caused the crystals to form and more than likely killed her.

Det. Elliot Stabler
In other words, Rosalin Silvo just spent ten years in prison for nothing.
 


 

(Outside Judge Mary Conway Clark's apartment.  Novak is waiting for her.  As Clark comes outside, Novak approaches her.)

Judge Mary Conway Clark
I don't know how I can be more clear.

A.D.A. Casey Novak
Rosalin Silvo is innocent.  Here's the M.E.'s report.

(Novak hands Clark the report.)

A.D.A. Casey Novak
Judge Taft let his bias run that courtroom.  He pulled the same crap he always pulls.  Only this time he stole a woman's life.

(Clark looks at the new information)

Judge Mary Conway Clark
That son of a bitch.

A.D.A. Casey Novak
Seems to be the preferred way to describe this guy.

Judge Mary Conway Clark
It's a disgrace.  He's an embarrassment to the bench.

A.D.A. Casey Novak
I'll worry about him as soon as I get Rosalin Silvo out of jail.

Judge Mary Conway Clark
She's gonna need a defense attorney.  I'll take her case.  I'll have to write up a 440 motion right away.

(Novak pulls a binder out of her bag and hands it to Clark.)

A.D.A. Casey Novak
I already did it for you.
 
 

MOTION HEARING
PART 22
MONDAY, APRIL 26


 

(Judge Lois Preston is presiding.  Clark and Silvo are at the defendant's desk.  Novak is at hers.)

Judge Mary Conway Clark
As stated in our brief, we believe we have found sufficient evidence, previously unavailable at trial, proving the innocence of my client.

(Judge Oliver Taft walks in the courtroom.)

Judge Mary Conway Clark
Furthermore, the opportunity to obtain that evidence was denied to the defense by Judge Taft.  Justice, in this case, was not only blind, it was cruel.

Judge Lois Preston
Ms. Novak, where do the People stand?

A.D.A. Casey Novak
Your Honor, we're joining the defense's motion and ask that the court set aside Ms. Silvo's conviction.

Judge Lois Preston
After reviewing the motion, I must concur with counsel.  The only possible remedy is to vacate Ms. Silvo's conviction.  We're adjourned.

(Gavel pounds.  Rosalin Silvo stands and hugs Mary Clark, and then her daughter Diana.)

Rosalin Silvo
(to Clark)
Thank you.

(Judge Taft walks over to Clark and Novak.)

Judge Oliver Taft
Well, Judge Clark, it's nice to see you haven't forgot your meager beginnings as a legal aide attorney.  Ms. Novak, are you going to be combing through all the decisions I've made?  Because I can get the files if you'd like.

A.D.A. Casey Novak
That depends.  How many other defendants have you falsely convicted?

Judge Oliver Taft
History is full of mistakes, Ms. Novak.  Even your short history.

Judge Mary Conway Clark
You're not threatening her, are you?  Some people might find that conduct unbecoming of an officer of the court.

(Judge Taft turns to leave.)

Judge Mary Conway Clark
You can't bully your way out of this, Oliver.

(Judge Taft looks at Clark for a brief moment, then leaves.)

Judge Mary Conway Clark
Well, almost makes me miss all this.

(Novak's cell phone rings.)

A.D.A. Casey Novak
I don't know.  I think you'd miss your expense account more.
(into phone)  Casey Novak.
(listens)  Oh, God.
 


 

(Outside Campbell Home.  It's dark outside.  An ambulance and police car are parked in front.  Novak runs up to the sidewalk and heads for the front stairs.  She sees two officers carry a small child on a stretcher toward the ambulance.  The stretcher is covered in a white sheet.  Novak sees Stabler coming out of the house.)

A.D.A. Casey Novak
Why wasn't she in the hospital?

Det. Elliot Stabler
Released.  The parents didn't want to put her in a nursing home.  The aunt dropped by for a visit, found Alexis in her bed, already dead.  Karen was the only one home.

(Stabler moves off.)

A.D.A. Casey Novak
(to herself)
So she finished the job.

(Benson exits the house, with Karen Campbell in front of her, handcuffed.)

Det. Olivia Benson
You have the right to remain silent.  If you give up that right, anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.  You have the right to an attorney.  If you cannot afford one, one will be appointed for you.  Do you understand these rights as I have read them to you?
 


 

(SVU Interview Room.  Karen is sitting at the table, as is Oliver Gates, her attorney.  Stabler sits down across from Karen.  Novak is in the corner.)

Det. Elliot Stabler
So here we are again.  What happened?  Did you miss us?  Look, Karen, I'm really just looking for an explanation.  I mean, you had the perfect out.  You just place Alexis in a nursing home.  You never even have to think about her again.  I'm trying to understand why you had to kill her.

Oliver Gates
Detective, you do understand the child was severely brain-damaged from hypoxia?

Det. Elliot Stabler
And that means she deserved to die?

Oliver Gates
It means she died from injuries sustained from a prior accidental poisoning.

A.D.A. Casey Novak
That's convenient for you.

Oliver Gates
That's also collateral estoppel.  My client cannot be charged with murder having been acquitted of attempting the same alleged murder simply because the child dies.

(Benson enters the interview room during Gates' statement.)

Det. Olivia Benson
Unless we're talking about two separate acts.  Which we are, right, Karen?

(Karen says nothing.)

Det. Olivia Benson
Alexis was suffocated.  Her poisoning had nothing to do with her death.

Det. Elliot Stabler
You have nothing to say now, Karen?  Come on, tell me what a good mother you are.  Better yet, tell me how it feels to place a pillow over your daughter's face and suffocate her.

Karen Campbell
I didn't want to--

Det. Elliot Stabler
You didn't want to what?

Karen Campbell
I didn't want to bring her home.  Pete insisted.

Det. Olivia Benson
Yeah, and that's a lot of responsibility.  A sick baby, you had to take care of her all by yourself.

Karen Campbell
She wouldn't stop crying.

Det. Olivia Benson
That's frustrating.

Karen Campbell
I just wanted her to be quiet.

Det. Elliot Stabler
So you killed her.  You placed a pillow over her face and you killed her, Karen.

Karen Campbell
It wasn't my fault.

Det. Elliot Stabler
What was it, an accident again?

Karen Campbell
No!  The judge said I should do it.  It was his idea.

A.D.A. Casey Novak
What judge?

Karen Campbell
Judge Taft.  He said Alexis was too sick.  I have other children to think about.  He said we would all be better off if Alexis had died.

A.D.A. Casey Novak
When did Judge Taft say this to you?

Karen Campbell
The other day, in court, right before I testified.

Oliver Gates
The interview's over.  Everybody out.

(Novak, Stabler, and Benson file out of the interview room.  Cragen meets them from the adjoining room.)

Capt. Donald Cragen
Did I hear her right?  That nutcase thinks the judge told her to murder her daughter?

Det. Olivia Benson
Or she thinks it's a good way to get off a murder charge.

Det. Elliot Stabler
What the hell was Taft doing, talking to a defendant alone during a trial anyway?

A.D.A. Casey Novak
Hanging himself.  We got the bastard now.

Det. Olivia Benson
Doesn't that nullify her acquittal?

A.D.A. Casey Novak
Sure it does.  Not that it matters.  We got her on homicide.

(Gates comes out of the interview room.)

Oliver Gates
I want to make this clear.  I had no knowledge of this ex parte communication.  And as an officer of the court, I would have been duty-bound to inform you immediately.

A.D.A. Casey Novak
What did he say?

Oliver Gates
Well, apparently, he saw her crying on the elevator at lunch.  She alleges that he told her she had to think of her other children now and that Alexis might be better off if she died, anyway.

Det. Elliot Stabler
And Karen's using that to justify killing her?

Oliver Gates
Then he advised her to get psychiatric help so that this tragedy wouldn't happen again.

A.D.A. Casey Novak
He told her to get a shrink?

Oliver Gates
That's what she said.  And I think it's a fine idea.

(Oliver Gates begins his exit.)

Oliver Gates
Uh, I've advised her not to answer any more questions.

Det. Olivia Benson
Let's get her booked.

A.D.A. Casey Novak
After that, go pick up Taft.

Capt. Donald Cragen
On what charges?

A.D.A. Casey Novak
Criminal Facilitation Two.  Taft told Karen to get help, which means he knew Alexis' poisoning was no accident.  He was afraid she'd try it again with her other kids.  Acquitting her gave her the means and the opportunity to commit a Class A felony.

Capt. Donald Cragen
He's protected by judicial immunity, Casey.

A.D.A. Casey Novak
He smoked his judicial immunity the second he had an ex parte communication with the defendant.
 


 

(Judge Taft's apartment.  He's having a black tie party.  Tuxedos and gowns, catered food and a wait staff.  Light piano music is playing.  Stabler and Benson enter.)

Det. Olivia Benson
Excuse me.

Det. Elliot Stabler
Excuse me.

(They meet Judge Taft, dressed to the nines.)

Judge Oliver Taft
Detectives, if you wanted an invite, all you had to do was ask.

(Stabler takes an hors d'oeuvre off a waiter's tray and eats it.)

Det. Elliot Stabler
Well, we thought we'd class the place up a little bit.

Det. Olivia Benson
You're going to need to step outside with us, Judge Taft.

Judge Oliver Taft
Why?

Det. Elliot Stabler
Just a private chat.

Judge Oliver Taft
About what?

Det. Olivia Benson
Alexis Campbell is dead.  Karen suffocated her.  You knew that she was a danger to that little girl, and you let her go.

Judge Oliver Taft
This is absurd.

Det. Elliot Stabler
Your Honor, you know the law says we can't arrest you in your own home, so, uh, if you want, we could make a big scene.

Judge Oliver Taft
You all are going to be very sorry for this.

Det. Elliot Stabler
And you're going to look so pretty for your mug shot.

(Stabler and Benson lead Taft out of his apartment.)
 
 

ARRAIGNMENT
PART 18
TUESDAY, APRIL 27


 

(Judge Phillip Wyler is presiding.  Taft and his attorney James Woodrow are at the defendant's desk.  Taft is still in his tuxedo from the night before.  Novak is at her desk.  The court clerk hands the case file to the judge.)

Court Clerk
Docket Number 42768, People v. Oliver Taft.  Criminal Facilitation in the Second Degree.

Judge Phillip Wyler
What is this?

A.D.A. Casey Novak
Your Honor, the defendant's being charged with knowingly facilitating a murder.

James Woodrow
This is an outrage, Your Honor.  An over-zealous A.D.A. is upset because she lost her case and is using the courts to exact retaliation.

A.D.A. Casey Novak
He acted beyond the scope of his position by communicating ex parte with a woman who later committed murder.

Judge Phillip Wyler
There's no grounds for these charges.  An acquittal does not constitute aid to commit a felony.

A.D.A. Casey Novak
Your Honor--

Judge Phillip Wyler
You're making a mockery of this court, Ms. Novak!  I'm throwing the charges out.  This is hubris, and it reeks of professional misconduct.  And you'd better believe Arthur Branch will hear about it.  The charges are dismissed, Judge Taft, with my apologies.  You're free to go.  We're at recess.

(Gavel pounds.  Judge Mary Conway Clark, who was sitting in the gallery, comes up to Novak.)

Judge Mary Conway Clark
Well, I'll say this for you, you've got balls.

A.D.A. Casey Novak
He probably won't get more than a censure from the Judicial Commission for the ex parte.

Judge Mary Conway Clark
We'll see.  And don't forget, now you've got a star witness for Karen Campbell's murder trial.
 
 

TRIAL PART 38
MONDAY, MAY 10


 

(Judge Walter Bradley is presiding.  Judge Taft is in the witness box.  Novak is examining him.  Karen Campbell and Oliver Gates are at their desk.)

A.D.A. Casey Novak
Judge Taft, for the record, you are here under a subpoena, which you unsuccessfully tried to quash.

Judge Oliver Taft
That's correct.

A.D.A. Casey Novak
You presided over Karen Campbell's attempted murder trial in which she waiver her right to a jury.  Correct?

Judge Oliver Taft
I did.

A.D.A. Casey Novak
What was your verdict?

Judge Oliver Taft
Not guilty.

A.D.A. Casey Novak
Why?

Judge Oliver Taft
I felt the People had not sufficiently proven their case against the defendant.

A.D.A. Casey Novak
So you think she didn't try to kill her daughter the first time?

Judge Oliver Taft
I believe I already answered your question, Counselor.

A.D.A. Casey Novak
Is that why you spoke to Karen Campbell during her trial?  Because you thought she was innocent?

Judge Oliver Taft
I admit the conversation with the defendant was ill-advised.  We were on the same elevator.  She was distraught about the condition of her daughter.  I allowed my empathy to overrule my intellect.

A.D.A. Casey Novak
Did it ever occur to you that Karen Campbell might be responsible for her daughter's condition?

Judge Oliver Taft
Your Honor, I must object to this line of questioning.  I am here to discuss what I said to the defendant, not to discuss my thoughts or feelings about her.

A.D.A. Casey Novak
On the contrary, Your Honor.  The defendant claims Judge Taft instructed her to kill her daughter.  It's important to establish the witness' state of mind at the time of the conversation.

Judge Walter Bradley
Judge Taft, answer the question.  I will remind you that you have no legal standing to object in this court.

A.D.A. Casey Novak
You felt sorry for the defendant.  So you must've decided she was innocent, even though the trial hadn't yet concluded.

Judge Oliver Taft
That's not true.

A.D.A. Casey Novak
So you thought she was guilty?

Judge Oliver Taft
I hadn't yet formed an opinion.  As you just said, the trial had not concluded.

A.D.A. Casey Novak
I know, which is why it's so strange that you were talking to her.

(Novak picks up a legal pad.)

A.D.A. Casey Novak
Why did you tell the defendant to (reading off the pad) "seek psychiatric help so this tragedy doesn't occur again?"

Judge Oliver Taft
She was upset.

A.D.A. Casey Novak
Because it sounds like you think she really did poison her daughter.

Judge Oliver Taft
It was a mistake.  Is that what you wane me to say, Ms. Novak?  One mistake in almost three decades on the bench!

A.D.A. Casey Novak
Didn't you make another arguably bigger mistake when you wrongfully convicted Rosalin Silvo of murdering her daughter and sent her to prison for ten years?

Judge Oliver Taft
That's a totally separate issue, and completely immaterial to this case.

A.D.A. Casey Novak
You can't object, Judge Taft--

Judge Walter Bradley
But I can, Ms. Novak.  Get back to the case at hand.

A.D.A. Casey Novak
Did you tell Karen Campbell to suffocate her daughter?

Judge Oliver Taft
Absolutely not.

A.D.A. Casey Novak
But you talked to her, even though it was clearly improper.

Judge Oliver Taft
It was a mistake.

A.D.A. Casey Novak
You don't make mistakes, though.  You make judgments.  Who's innocent, who's guilty.  You saw Rosalin Silvo and she was a whore.  That means she's a bad mother.  And then you saw Karen Campbell.  Why did you talk to her, Judge?

(Taft stands)

Judge Oliver Taft
Your Honor--

A.D.A. Casey Novak
Why talk to Karen Campbell?  Why talk to a woman that tried to murder her daughter?

Judge Oliver Taft
I didn't know!

A.D.A. Casey Novak
Didn't know what?  That she'd turn around and try to do it again?

Judge Oliver Taft
I thought they were good people!

(Gavel pounds.)

Judge Walter Bradley
That's enough.  Ms. Novak, try that again and you're in contempt.  (to Taft) Sir, you will be as well, if you don't sit down now.

(Taft sits.  He blew it and he knows it.  Novak shakes her head.)

A.D.A. Casey Novak
Nothing further.
 


 

(Same courtroom, later.  The jury is about to give a verdict.)

Judge Walter Bradley
On the sole charge of Murder in the Second Degree, how do you find?

Jury Foreman
We find the defendant guilty.

Judge Walter Bradley
Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, you've performed your duties admirably, and I thank you for your service.  And may I say for the record, this is a crime that could have been prevented.  While this trial exemplifies the very best aspects of our legal system, it has also highlighted its flaws.  It is my sincere hope for the future those flaws can be corrected.  The defendant will be held over for sentencing.  This court is adjourned.

(Gavel pounds.  Judge Taft stands and leaves the courtroom.)
 


 

(Outside the Courtroom, moments later.  Judge Taft is walking through the corridor.  A swarm of reporters descends upon him.)

Reporter #2
Your Honor, this way!

Reporter #3
The chief administrative judge says you're going to be reassigned to civil court.  What's your reaction?

Reporter #2
The previous conviction of Rosalin Silvo was overturned.  How many others of your verdicts have under scrutiny?

Reporter #3
What about the rumor that the governor has asked the Judicial Commission to investigate your conduct?

(This continues until we fade out.)

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5.07m / 0.6% (18-49)

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25.04 : Duty to Report (inédit)
Jeudi 8 février à 21:00
4.82m / 0.5% (18-49)

Logo de la chaîne NBC

25.03 : The Punch List (inédit)
Jeudi 1 février à 21:00
5.23m / 0.5% (18-49)

Toutes les audiences

Actualités
NBC renouvelle New York : Unité Spéciale pour une 26ième saison

NBC renouvelle New York : Unité Spéciale pour une 26ième saison
New York : Unité Spéciale sera de retour l'année prochaine sur les ondes de la NBC. La chaine qui...

Cinq saisons de New York : Unité Spéciale sont disponibles sur Netflix

Cinq saisons de New York : Unité Spéciale sont disponibles sur Netflix
Sans grande publicité, Netflix a mis en ligne cinq saisons de New York : Unité Spéciale. Cependant,...

New York, Crime Organisé | Diffusion des épisodes 3.15 & 3.16 sur 13ème Rue

New York, Crime Organisé | Diffusion des épisodes 3.15 &amp; 3.16 sur 13ème Rue
Ce soir, 13ème Rue continue la diffusion de la saison 3 de "New York, Crime Organisé" (Law & Order :...

New York, Crime Organisé | Diffusion des épisodes 3.13 & 3.14 sur 13ème Rue

New York, Crime Organisé | Diffusion des épisodes 3.13 &amp; 3.14 sur 13ème Rue
Ce soir, 13ème Rue continue la diffusion de la saison 3 de "New York, Crime Organisé" (Law & Order :...

New York, Police Judiciaire | Diffusion du dernier épisode de la saison 21 sur 13ème Rue

New York, Police Judiciaire | Diffusion du dernier épisode de la saison 21 sur 13ème Rue
Ce soir, 13ème Rue termine la diffusion de la saison 21 de "New York Police Judiciaire" (Law & Order...

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HypnoRooms

chrismaz66, 24.03.2024 à 17:40

Bonsoir, nouvelle PDM/Survivor Illustré chez Torchwood, dédié aux épisodes audios, venez voter, merci !

Locksley, 25.03.2024 à 20:10

Pas beaucoup de promo... Et si vous en profitiez pour commenter les news ou pour faire vivre les topics ? Bonne soirée sur la citadelle !

choup37, Avant-hier à 10:09

La bande-annonce de la nouvelle saison de Doctor Who est sortie! Nouvelle saison, nouveau docteur, nouvelle compagne, venez les découvrir

Sas1608, Hier à 18:25

Pour les 20 ans de la série, le quartier de Desperate Housewives change de design ! Venez voir ça !

mnoandco, Aujourd'hui à 19:49

Nouveau design sur Discovery of Witches, n'hésitez pas un faire un p'tit détour même sans connaître la série.

Viens chatter !