L.A. Law (TV Series)

The Douglas Fur Ball (1987)

Robin Gammell: Judge John Englander

Quotes 

• Judge John Englander : Mr. Sifuentes, Mr. Aoli? Having considered your closing arguments and having heard the testimony you used at 3 days of trial, including that of an eye witness I found to be substantially credible, I now find the defendant, Francisco Ortega, guilty of robbery in the first degree. Sentencing set February 9, 10 a.m.

  Victor Sifuentes : Your Honor, at this time, I move for a new trial and the disqualification of Your Honor from this case.

  Judge John Englander : On what grounds?

  Victor Sifuentes : Bigotry, Your Honor.

  [Spectators murmuring. Mr. Aoli takes off his glasses] 

  Victor Sifuentes : This statistical analysis demonstrates a clear-cut racist predisposition based on Your Honor's conviction and sentencing record over the years.

  Judge John Englander : That's outrageous!

  Victor Sifuentes : Your Honor, conviction rate in non-jury trials for non-white defendants when the prosecution has an white eye witness is nearly 6 times as great as when the defendant is white or the eye witness is non-white.

  [Mr. Sifuentes handover the records to Judge Englander] 

  Victor Sifuentes : This includes Your Honor's time on the Municipal as well as the Superior Court's. And it clearly demonstrates that Your Honor's racism has served to deny my client a fair trial.

  Judge John Englander : I don't know what all this is, counselor, but I'll tell you, you're way out of line.

  Victor Sifuentes : Your Honor, I'm not trying to provoke or offend you. But the fact remains that these statistics...

  Judge John Englander : Don't stand there calling me a racist and pretend you're not trying to provoke or offend me! I sit here very much offended, Mr. Sifuentes!

  Victor Sifuentes : Shall I take this to be a denial of my motion, sir?

  Judge John Englander : Take it as a personal response to your accusation! I'll respond in my official capacity at a later date! In the meantime, this motion is taken under advisement.

  [Judge Englander heads back to his chambers]