Judge Lance Ito and Dominick Dunne in “Unfinished Business”

Judge Lance Ito

Mr. Dunne, I’ve read some of your past coverage of murder trials in Vanity Fair magazine.

I’m lucky I write for a magazine that allows me to take a stand, Your Honor.

Judge Lance Ito

Well, there’s no mistaking how you feel.

No. That’s something I’m proud about.

Judge Lance Ito

I am, uh, assigning you a permanent seat in the front row. You’ll be next to the Goldmans. And the seat is yours for the length of the trial.

Thank you, Your Honor.

Judge Lance Ito

Without, uh, being too forward, I sense that you’ll be able to sympathize them in a way that the rest of us cannot, that you’ll know how to deal with them, not intrude or ask inappropriate questions.

Because of my daughter’s murder?

Judge Lance Ito

[embarrassed] Yes. Well, I apologise for dredging up what I imagine is a deeply painful memory, but I felt it was important that you know why.

I’m sure that the Goldmans will appreciate the gesture, Your Honor, I know I do. The trial of Dominique’s killer was torture enough. But then the way he got off with a slap on the wrist… Let’s hope this one goes better.