Clerk, Judge Preston and others in “Unfinished Business”

Docket ending 419. People vs. Henry Shaw Roberts. One count each: Assault in the second degree, criminally negligent homicide, endangering the welfare of a child.

Busy man, Mr. Roberts. How do you plead?

Not guilty.

Hunter

On all counts, your honor. And the homicide charge is a stretch.

The defendant forced his stepson to fight a 10-year-old and bet on the winner. What would you call the death of that child?

I'll let the grand jury decide. Bail, Miss Hardwicke?

Remand, your honor. When he's not promoting kiddie fights, the defendant spends his spare time beating up his wife and stepson.

Hunter

My client has never been arrested. He has a steady job and strong ties to the community.

First offense, Miss Hardwicke. Can you live with 50,000 bail?

If it's cash only and comes with an order of protection for Mrs. Roberts.

So ordered. Mr. Roberts, you are not to come within 200 feet of your wife, your stepson, or your home.

Then where the hell am I gonna stay?

Rikers Island, if you violate the order. Unless you'd rather go now.

Hunter

That won't be necessary. Mr. Roberts will abide by your ruling.

Then we're done, aren't we? 10-minute recess. [bangs gavel]