Bevins, Jim and others in “Unfinished Business”

Now, then, Mr. Rockford, what was the nature of your relationship with Frank Sorvino?

Jim

I refuse to answer on the grounds that it might tend to incriminate me.

Of all the constitutional amendments, that seems to be your favorite. Isn't that correct, Mr. Rockford?

Jim

I refuse to answer on the grounds that it might tend to incriminate me.

Not the First, not the Sixteenth, but the Fifth. It seems to be a universaI favorite among felons.

Mr. Bevins, we're all interested in the truth, but is it necessary to badger Mr. Rockford?

I'm sorry, Mr. Foreman, but this witness has steadfastly sought to withhold evidence that is vital to this inquiry.

Jim

Mr. Foreman...

However, rather than burden the grand jury with another appeaI to Mr. Rockford's sense of civic duty and responsibility, Mr. Foreman, I will, instead, ask that the witness be excused, and file an appeal with the Department of Justice for a grant of immunity. When such grant is forthcoming, this witness will be recalled.

Jim

Mr. Foreman, may I make a statement?

To what purpose, Mr. Rockford?

Jim

To clarify a situation that could use some clarification.

All right, Mr. Rockford, a brief statement.

Jim

There's an old saying, you never buy a pig in a poke. Well, I bought one when I walked into this courtroom the other day. I thought I was walking into a court of law, not an inquisition.

Mr. Foreman, I protest.

Jim

No, Mr. Bevins, I protest. I'm a citizen of the United States. And, as a citizen, I'm guaranteed certain rights under the constitution. When I try to avail myself of those rights, I'm jailed, I'm threatened, I'm subjected to the worst kind of intimidation...

Mr. Foreman, this witness is trying to impugn the character and reputation...

Jim

What character?

Mr. Rockford, I must warn you that you can be held in contempt for such statements.

The character of decent citizens who have been impaneled for the purpose...

Jim

I'm not indicting the grand jury, I'm indicting Mr. Bevins. For misusing and manipulating...

(bangs gavel) Mr. Rockford, I warn you.

Jim

I told you the truth, and you called me a liar. You paraded my prison record before these jurors, and ignored the fact that I was pardoned. Well, Mr. Bevins, you have less respect for the law than any of the men I ever did time with.

Mr. Foreman!

Jim

I haven't done a damned thing. I have been subjected to harassment, character assassination, and your presence. Let me tell you, Mr. Bevins, you go ahead and get your grant of immunity, and you stick it in your ear!