Judge Donnelly quotes from Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

I take full responsibility for my actions.

Of course. You did it for the greater good, the safety of society. Bull. You did this for you.

I did this for hundreds of Barnett's future victims.

One. One victim. Sam Cavanaugh. Did it work? Did it assuage your guilt?

No. I don't think that's gonna happen anytime soon.

I've got news for you. It won't happen. Ever.

Need I remind you that I am responsible for the integrity of this entire bureau?

A judge has used the power of the court to further his own agenda. If the light we shine on him isn't brighter than the light we shine on the public, then this bureau has no integrity.

Do you really think the first woman the state executes should be a single mother, prostitute, rape victim...

Serial killer.

These are scientific studies proving that an adolescent's brain is significantly different than an adult, that in fact our brains aren't fully formed until we are in our early twenties

And I can present scientific studies which prove my cat is trying to kill me in my sleep.

Someone killed a child. It's our duty to speak for the victim.

So now we’re the pregnancy police? We're violating a woman's rights for what amounts to a Hail Mary.

This isn’t about abortion rights, Alex. We are talking about a one-month-old infant.

Okay, so what if that does work? What are we supposed to do, question every single woman who bought an EPT kit at the drugstore?

Novak

What did I do wrong?

What, aren't you going to even say "hi" to your boss?

Novak

Hi. What did I do wrong?

Devere

He's not testifying, period!

Let him.

Devere

And let him incriminate himself?

Exactly

Devere

Are you crazy?

[to Novak] What do you think?

Novak

A jury's been sworn in on a criminal case, a witness has testified. Do you see where this is heading?

Devere

If you screw us over on this-

Novak

Trust me.

Devere

Your honor, at this time, the defense would move for a mistrial.

Miss Devere, you can't do that. This is a hearing. Not a trial.

Devere

My apologies, Judge Malloy. That motion wasn't made to you. I'm speaking to Judge Donnelly. Nathan Phelps was compelled to incriminate himself in these proceedings. The testimony is admissible in his criminal trial and violates his right against self-incrimination. It's grounds for a mistrial.

Motion granted. The criminal case against Nathan Phelps is dismissed with prejudice.

What?!

Novak

In that event, Judge Malloy, I move to dismiss this proceeding. Now that there is no case against Nathan Phelps, there is no reason to investigate this research.

Your honor, this is a setup, perpetrated by the DA's office.

Mr. Geddes, I'd agree with you, except you're the one who called Mr. Phelps to the stand. This action is dismissed. Court is adjourned.

I'd prefer shrimp cocktail for an appetizer.

Novak

This is the entree.

[takes a seat next to her; to the waiter] Club soda, lime. [to Novak] That liquid lunch isn't going to change what happened.

Novak

Yeah, but it'll help me forget.

You played the hand you were dealt.

Novak

I had to look Jennifer Durning's parents in the eye and tell them that their daughter would never get justice, because I let Nick Pratt and Doug Waverly get away with murder.

Well, that wasn't your fault. But it will be if you let them get away with another one and don't try to stop it.

Novak

We haven't found Jennifer, so what makes you think Jason's gonna be any different?

Because whoever planted that bug in my office knows what happened to him. And you are going to find that person if you have to interrogate everyone who works in that courthouse. Trial's over, Casey. Put the gloves on for round 2.

According to the suit, you conspired with Detective Stabler to deprive Paddy Kendall of his civil and Constitutional rights. Did you?

Novak

No.

Pity. Guy sounds like a douchebag.

Novak

You wanted to see me, Judge Donnelly?

Yes. The DA is declining to re-file charges against Thomas Crane.

Novak

He raped and murdered Alisa Hernandez, and he gets to keep his badge?

Because of your actions, counselor.

Novak

With all due respect, ma'am, this doesn't concern you.

It does now. [hands Novak a notice]

Novak

I'm being called before the bar.

At my insistence.

Novak

Why?

Because you lost perspective. And because I sit on the peer review board, and I cannot allow you to commit a Brady violation and lie to the court without consequence.

Novak

The reports weren't finished, your honor! I sent them back!

You lied to Petrovsky, and now, you are lying to me. The lab reports were dated and stamped! We are civil servants, Casey! No one is falling on their sword for you. What I want to know is why.

Novak

Because the bad guys can't always win. He deserved to pay.

And so do you.

Novak

How much trouble am I in?

Censure. Possible suspension.

Novak

For how long?

A year. Maybe more.

Novak

What should I do?

Something else.

Did you ask Linnie how she escaped?

Benson

No. Does it matter?

She asked for a meeting to discuss a plea bargain. I let her use the bathroom, she crawled out the window.

Benson

So you took the fall?

For years, whenever a rookie ADA pulled a stupid move, it was known as "doin' a Donnelly".

Judge, you're a lone beacon of hope in the struggle against global mind control.

Save it. You're a murderer walking on a technicality. If it were up to me, you'd be in the nuthouse where you belong.

You're the nut for letting him go.

Is everybody crazy today? Five minute recess. [bangs gavel] People! Take your meds.