L.A. Law (TV Series)

The Princess and the Pee (1988)

David Spielberg: Judge Herbert Foster Reeves

Quotes 

• Foreman : [Jury Foreperson reading the verdict]  "On the charges of negligence, fraud, and breach of warranty, we find for the defendant."

  [Kuzak's defendant Gil Tecowsky felt relief] 

  Judge Herbert Foster Reeves : At this time, I would like to thank the jury for its time and patience...

  Richard Mathers : Your Honor, I move that the court set aside the verdict and declare a mistrial.

  Judge Herbert Foster Reeves : On what grounds?

  Richard Mathers : The plaintiffs were not represented by an attorney at law.

  Judge Herbert Foster Reeves : They were represented by you?

  Richard Mathers : I'm not an attorney, Your Honor. And even though these people didn't know anything about it, Counsel for the defense did, thereby placing me at a severe disadvantage in terms of a negotiating posture.

  Judge Herbert Foster Reeves : Gentlemen, in my chambers. Jury is to be held.

• Richard Mathers : Your Honor, the paramount issue here must be the interest of the parties, not the misconduct of an attorney or an individual serving in that capacity.

  Judge Herbert Foster Reeves : Excuse me, I'll get to you later.

  [to Kuzak] 

  Judge Herbert Foster Reeves : Mr. Kuzak, are you at all familiar with the Canon of ethics as it pertains to an attorney's obligation when he discovers the unauthorized practice of law?

  Michael Kuzak : Your Honor...

  Judge Herbert Foster Reeves : When he's made aware of the ongoing commission of a crime?

  Michael Kuzak : Forgive me, Your Honor, but I didn't think that my client should be victimized by this man's fraud.

  Richard Mathers : He didn't hesitate to try to victimize my clients with his own opportunism, though.

  Judge Herbert Foster Reeves : Thank you, Mr. Mathers.

  [Judge Reeves continues interrogating Mr. Kuzak] 

  Judge Herbert Foster Reeves : You weren't going to say anything unless you lost. Is that right, Mr. Kuzak?

  Michael Kuzak : All I was doing was trying to mitigate the damage.

  Judge Herbert Foster Reeves : That isn't your role! When you found out, you had an obligation to reveal what you knew, period!

  Michael Kuzak : With all due respect, Your Honor, Mr. Mathers maybe lacking in character, but his clients receive legal representation at least as good as that provided by most of the licensed practitioners to be found in these courts.

  Richard Mathers : That in no way vitiates the need for a mistrial. There is a presumptive conclusion that a party can receive adequate representation only from an attorney licensed to practice.

  Michael Kuzak : The Tolands got a fair trial, justice isn't served by declaring it void.

  Judge Herbert Foster Reeves : Thank you for your commentary, gentlemen. Mr. Kuzak, despite your rhetoric, you were party to defrauding this court. I'm declaring this a mistrial, and I'm referring you to the Disciplinary Committee of the Bar Association. You can tell them how you were trying to serve the interests of justice.

• Judge Herbert Foster Reeves : Mr. Mathers...

  [Mr. Mathers take a seat and sit down] 

  Judge Herbert Foster Reeves : Is this the first case you've lost?

  Richard Mathers : [sighs]  No.

  Judge Herbert Foster Reeves : Then why the confession now?

  Richard Mathers : Because these people were more innocent and more ruined than any clients I ever had before, that's why. They had terrific lives then... Wham! The bottom fell out. Placed their trust in me to try to obtain for them. A little financial security. It seems like honoring that trust is a little more important than covering my ass.

  [Judge Reeves press the intercom to call the bailiff Gene] 

  Judge Herbert Foster Reeves : Gene, will you come in here?

  [Judge Reeves clears his throat] 

  Judge Herbert Foster Reeves : You're smooth, mister. But I suspect that whatever you'll call yourself, whatever trade you'll appear to apply, first, last, and forever, you'll always be a conman.

  [Judge Reeves orders the bailiff Gene to take Mr. Mathers into custody] 

  Judge Herbert Foster Reeves : Lock Mr. Mathers up.

  [Gene the bailiff got the handcuffs to escort Mr. Mathers out. Mr. Mathers gets up and heads to the exit of the Chambers of Judge Herbert Foster Reeves. He opens, leaves and closed the door. Mr. Kuzak is sitting for a while to wait]