Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (TV Series)

Poison (2004)

Tom Skerritt: Judge Oliver Taft

Quotes 

• Judge Oliver Taft : Ms. Novak, I'm afraid the People haven't met their burden of proving the interview wasn't suggestive. Therefore the defense motion to suppress the witness' testimony is granted.

  Detective Elliot Stabler : This is a joke.

  Judge Oliver Taft : I beg your pardon, Detective Stabler?

  Detective Elliot Stabler : I said this is a joke.

  Judge Oliver Taft : You'd be wise to remember no one cares what you think once you're out of that box, Detective.

  Detective Elliot Stabler : That interview wasn't suggestive.

  A.D.A. Casey Novak : Elliot, stop.

  Detective Elliot Stabler : You're one of these judges who thinks cops strong-arms witnesses in order to make their case. What, do you think I bullied a seven-year-old into lying?

  A.D.A. Casey Novak : Elliot, leave!

  Judge Oliver Taft : No, Elliot, stay. Enjoy the hospitality of our holding cells. You're in contempt. Officer of the court, escort the Detective out of here.

• Judge Oliver Taft : [as he's being arrested]  You are going to be very sorry for this.

  Detective Elliot Stabler : And you're going to look so pretty for your mug shot.

• A.D.A. Casey Novak : [to Judge Taft]  Did you tell Karen Campbell to suffocate her daughter?

  Judge Oliver Taft : Absolutely not.

  A.D.A. Casey Novak : But you talked to her even though it was clearly improper.

  Judge Oliver Taft : It was a mistake.

  A.D.A. Casey Novak : You don't make mistakes though. You make judgments. Who's innocent, who's guilty. You saw Rosalin Silvo and she was a whore. That means she's a bad mother and then you saw Karen Campbell. Why did you talk to her, Judge?

  Judge Oliver Taft : Your Honor...

  A.D.A. Casey Novak : Why talk to Karen Campbell? Why talk to a woman that tried to murder her daughter?

  Judge Oliver Taft : I didn't know!

  A.D.A. Casey Novak : Didn't know what? That she'd turn around and try to do it again?

  Judge Oliver Taft : I thought they were good people!

  Judge Walter Bradley : [bangs his gavel]  That's enough. Ms. Novak, try that again and you're in contempt.

  [to Taft] 

  Judge Walter Bradley : Sir, you will be as well if you don't sit down now.

  A.D.A. Casey Novak : Nothing further.

• A.D.A. Casey Novak : [to Judge Taft]  With all due respect, Your Honor, I was confused by those questions.

  Judge Oliver Taft : I wouldn't go around admitting that, Ms. Novak.

• Judge Oliver Taft : By the way, Ms. Novak, when you appear in my courtroom, I would appreciate you are dressed appropriately. By that I mean in a skirt.

• A.D.A. Casey Novak : [to Judge Taft]  The People request that Your Honor recuse himself from this trial.

  Judge Oliver Taft : On what grounds?

  A.D.A. Casey Novak : That your conduct indicates a clear bias toward the defense. Recusing yourself now would preserve the appearance of impartiality on the part of this court.

  Judge Oliver Taft : Judges are charged to examine their conscience for any hint of bias and then decide accordingly. Perhaps we should do that more often? I'm satisfied that I'm impartial in this case. Your motion is denied, Ms. Novak, but I do thank you for your candor. Opening arguments tomorrow morning.