Quotes
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SecNav Edward Sheffield : I don't see how I can help you, gentlemen.
Cmdr. Harmon 'Harm' Rabb, Jr. : Sir, there has been a serious miscarriage of justice.
SecNav Edward Sheffield : Allegedly.
Cmdr. Harmon 'Harm' Rabb, Jr. : Almost certainly, Mr. Secretary.
SecNav Edward Sheffield : At this point in time, only the president has the authority to order a retrial.
Cmdr. Harmon 'Harm' Rabb, Jr. : Sir, you could suspend the remainder of Mr. Wainwright's sentence.
SecNav Edward Sheffield : But there's another recourse. File a writ of habeas corpus on the grounds that Wainwright's constitutional rights were denied due to a Brady violation.
Cmdr. Sturgis Turner : We considered that, sir. But it could take months for the federal district court to hear the arguments and issue a decision.
SecNav Edward Sheffield : I suggest keeping the president out of this.
Cmdr. Harmon 'Harm' Rabb, Jr. : I'm aware that Congressman Bolton represents your home state, sir.
SecNav Edward Sheffield : And if he's guilty of misconduct, he's going to answer for it. But we can't afford to go after him, not now.
Cmdr. Harmon 'Harm' Rabb, Jr. : Don't you mean not ever, sir?
SecNav Edward Sheffield : Watch your tone, Commander. Congressman Bolton is a ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee. And he's spearheading the opposition to the Navy's low-frequency active sonar project. If we go after him now, it smacks of retaliation.
Cmdr. Sturgis Turner : Politics.
SecNav Edward Sheffield : Damn right, politics. The president's under a magnifying glass. He can't give his enemies anything to use against him. Maybe next year.
Cmdr. Harmon 'Harm' Rabb, Jr. : Mr. Secretary, former Seaman Wainwright has spent the last twenty-two years of his life in prison for a crime he didn't commit, sir. Every day he remains there is an affront. He can't afford to wait until next year, sir.
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Capt. Richard Carey : Seaman Wainwright, the members found you guilty of assault and sentenced you to six months' confinement.
Cmdr. Harmon 'Harm' Rabb, Jr. : Credit for time served, Your Honor.
Capt. Richard Carey : Granted. Seaman Wainwright, stand at ease. Twenty-two years ago, you made a foolish mistake. Youth and ignorance are no excuse. However, this court martial has ruled that there was a tragic miscarriage of justice. Apologies are inadequate to compensate you for your lost years. All of your rights, privileges, and property, including back pay, will be restored and you will be honorably discharged. On the part of the United States Navy, I wish you well and pray that the remainder of your life brings you joy and fulfillment. You are a free man. This court martial is adjourned.
