The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005)

Campbell Scott: Ethan Thomas

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Quotes 

• Ethan Thomas : [to courtroom]  Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Ethan Thomas. I'm the assistant district attorney, and I represent the people. In the case before you, the evidence will show that the victim had a serious medical condition that demanded treatment. We will prove that the victim's condition rendered her physically and psychologically incapable of caring for herself. Her care was then wholly entrusted to that man, the defendant, Father Richard Moore. She became his responsibility, and he betrayed that responsibility by persuading her to abandon her medical treatment in favor of religious treatment: a ritual exorcism performed by the defendant, allegedly to cure the victim by ridding her of demonic forces. We will demonstrate that this course of action directly resulted in the victim's death. I said a moment ago that I represent the people. We all know what that means, but it's a little abstract, isn't it? Miss Bruner, the attorney for the defense is seated right next to the man she represents. And I stand here to represent the people. That's not really why I stand here today. I'm here on behalf of someone who can't sit at a table and look at you every day and gain your sympathy, someone who can't take the stand to testify and tell you what happened in her own words. A young girl that could've been your daughter. Could've been mine. A girl who trusted Father Richard Moore with her life. This is what she looked like, before the defendant began his religious treatment. This is a photograph taken of her on the day that she died. I stand here for Emily Rose who died horribly at age 19. You won't be able to see Emily sitting here day after day during this trial. But I hope you'll remember her as she was when she was alive and full of hopes and dreams. And as she was when Father Richard Moore was finished with her... and left her to die. Thank you.

• Ethan Thomas : I'm looking at your list of published articles, doctor. You've been quite busy, prolific. So, based on your time spent with holy rollers, snake handlers, voodoo priestesses and Indians tripping on peyote buds, based on observing these bizarre individuals, you've concluded that possession is a basic typical human experience?

  Dr. Adani : I must say, counselor, that's quite a laundry list of disdain and one that thoroughly mischaracterizes my research.

• Ethan Thomas : So, the judge thinks we should offer your client a new plea agreement. Apparently she thinks the community would be better served without this trial.

  Erin Bruner : How do you feel about it, personally?

  Ethan Thomas : My job is to represent the interest of the people, make an effort to be objective.

  Erin Bruner : Hm. I ask because I know you're a churchgoer. Now you're sent to prosecute a man of God.

  Ethan Thomas : Your priest broke the law and a young girl is dead. If he's a man of God, then personally I think he's even more subject to the laws of moral behavior and punishment. If it were up to me he'd get no deal at all.

  Erin Bruner : What about forgiveness and compassion? Isn't that part of your creed or does that just get in the way of your work?

  Ethan Thomas : If you have compassion for your client, counselor, you'll persuade him to accept this: Charges reduced to reckless endangerment, 12 months in a county jail, reducible to 6 plus probation if he can stay out of trouble. Somehow I expect he can manage that, but please understand me... if he refuses I will seek the maximum.