Jack McCoy quotes from Law & Order

McCoy

Two murders, Nora. We're supposed to let him off easy?

I said make a deal. I didn't say pony up the courthouse.

Richardson stays in jail.

McCoy

He can hire an attorney, file for a writ of habeas corpus.

With what, his mother's public assistance?

McCoy

He can file pro se, like any other prisoner... or I can do the writ.

Aren't you worried about the precedent it sets?

McCoy

I can file it as a private citizen, if you think it's more appropriate.

I don't think the public will see the distinction.

McCoy

I think the only distinction they see is between right and wrong.

[smiling] Make sure my name is on the writ.

McCoy

[to Vercal's attorney] Here's his choice, Miss Mancelli: He can get cut a deal with us now, or he can go back to Colombia.

They have no evidence against him there.

McCoy

His associates know he was arrested. Ask your client how long he's stay alive if we sent him back.

That's blackmail!

McCoy

I prefer to call it plea bargaining.

McCoy

[about the case against Wilder] Difficult or not, we have an obligation to prosecution.

We also have a burden of proof. And since it's going to be my ass they'll use as target practice, I'd like to test that proof.

I'd like to think I can do this job without becoming a cynic.

McCoy

I'm not a cynic. I get up every morning hoping to find an honest man.

Serena

I just got off with animal control. The dog was put down.

McCoy

The Quinns' trial was the only thing keeping it alive.

Abused, tortured, and now destroyed.

Serena

Almost makes you wish you could reverse the sentences.

McCoy

I think there were mitigating factors.

Serena

Based on what they did, or who they are?

McCoy

They were kids. Kids armed to the teeth and put in a place where, most of the time, they couldn't tell who was for them and who was against them. We need to be careful how we judge.

I don't regret anything I do, Mr. McCoy. I hope you never do. [leaves]

McCoy

Letting that man walk out the door is a start.

Serena

Do they really think he's innocent?

McCoy

I don't think they care.

Serena

In a weird way, the dismissal hurt Collins more than the indictment. When his fans found out he wasn't the killer, his CD dropped 10 places in the charts.

McCoy

At this rate, he might have to go out and actually shoot somebody.

I know first-hand what it is to be discriminated against. But as long as we treat it as a social problem instead of as an illness, we lose all chance of treating it.

McCoy

No, sir. As long as we provide an excuse, we lose all chance of punishing it.

People go to confession to seek forgiveness, to express regret for whatever it is that they've done. I don't know of any priest who would absolve a murderer without that, or without their agreeing to come forward to accept whatever punishment he or she might deserve.

McCoy

Well, this kid is letting an innocent man do his time for him, and he tried to kill the priest to keep him quiet.

The Grady case.

McCoy

A patient threatens his shrink, a client threatens his lawyer, any confidentiality there is gone.

Religion and the law don't always speak the same language. That being said, on these facts I wouldn't have much trouble revealing what he told me.

McCoy

So what's stopping this priest?

He must still have hope. Hope that he can get this kid to come forward and save his soul. My guess is, as long as this priest has that hope, you're not going to get him to talk.

McCoy

So my job is to take his hope away from him.

Don't worry, Jack, I'll still put in a good word for you.

McCoy

Your husband underestimated you, Mrs. Weldon.

Like he said, he's not a perfect man. He's made mistakes.

McCoy

If people have to choose, they'll trade safety for privacy every time.

That's the problem, though. If you trade one for the other, you could end up losing both.

McCoy

You were tired of being his punching bag.

Yes. Anybody would be.

McCoy

And the way to get all that to stop was to stay. To stay, and get him. [Leslie says nothing] Only that's not self-defense, is it?