The Verdict Page #24

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GALVIN:

Now, Dr. Towler's testified that

they restored the heartbeat within

three or four minutes. In your opinion

is his estimate correct?

DR. THOMPSON

It's my opinion it took him much

longer. Nine... ten minutes. There's

too much brain damage.

The Judge leans over.

JUDGE:

(to Dr. Thompson)

Are you saying that a failure to

restore the heartbeat within nine

minutes in itself constitutes bad

medical practice?

DR. THOMPSON

Well...

GALVIN:

Your Honor!

He has shouted unconsciously; the whole Courtroom turns to

look at him.

JUDGE:

Yes, Mr. Galvin?

GALVIN:

If I may be permitted to question my

own witness in my own way...

JUDGE:

I'd just like to get to the point,

Mr. Galvin. Let's not waste these

people's time. Answer the question,

Mr. Witness. Please. Would a nine

minute lapse in restoring the

heartbeat in and of itself be

negligence?

DR. THOMPSON

I... in that small context I would

have... I would have to say 'no.'

JUDGE:

Then you're saying there's no

negligence, based on my question?

DR. THOMPSON

I... given the limits of your

question, that's correct.

JUDGE:

The Doctors were not negligent.

DR. THOMPSON

(beat)

I... um...

The Judge shrugs, meaning, "Well then what in the hell are

we doing here?"

ANGLE:

Galvin, furious.

ANGLE:

The Judge and Witness.

JUDGE:

Thank you.

The Witness starts to step down. Galvin strides over to him

and speaks to the Judge.

GALVIN:

I'm not through with the witness,

your Honor. With all due respect if

you are going to try my case for me

I would appreciate it if you wouldn't

lose it.

The Judge stands, furious.

JUDGE:

Thank you. I think that's enough for

this morning. I'll see the Plaintiff's

Counsel in my chambers. Now, please.

The Courtroom rises. The Bailiff is heard, "All rise, court

is adjourned until one o'clock."

INT. JUDGE SWEENEY'S CHAMBERS - DAY

Galvin, furious, standing against the wall. The Judge comes

in from his own entrance, shucking his robe. Equally angry.

JUDGE:

I got a letter from the Judge

Advocate's office on you today, fella,

you're on your way out... They should

have kicked you out on that

Lillibridge case. Now this is it

today.

GALVIN:

I'm an attorney on trial before the

bar. Representing my client. My

client, do you understand? You open

your mouth and you're losing my case

for me.

JUDGE:

Listen to me, fella...

GALVIN:

No, no, you listen to me. All I wanted

in this case is an even shake. You

rushed me into court in five days...

my star witness disappears, I can't

get a continuance, and I don't give

a damn. I'm going up there and I'm

going to try it. Let the Jury decide.

They told me Sweeney he's a hard-

ass, he's a defendant's judge. I

don't care. I said, the hell with

it. The hell with it. I'll take my

chances he'll be fair.

Galvin is pacing. Beat.

JUDGE:

(conciliatory)

Galvin, look, many years ago...

GALVIN:

And don't give me this sh*t, 'I was

a lawyer, too.' 'Cause I know who

you were. You couldn't hack it as a

lawyer. You were Bag Man for the

Boys and you still are. I know who

you are.

JUDGE:

(beat; barely

controlling anger)

Are you done?

GALVIN:

Damn right I'm done. I'm going to

ask for a mistrial and I'm going to

request that you disqualify yourself

from sitting on this case. I'm going

to take a transcript to the State

and ask that they impeach your ass.

JUDGE:

You aren't going to get a mistrial,

boy. We're going back this afternoon,

we're going to try this case to an

end. Now you get out of here before

I call the Bailiff and have you thrown

in jail.

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