Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (TV Series)

Rockabye (2005)

Diane Neal: ADA Casey Novak

Photos 

Quotes 

• Arthur Branch : [to Novak]  So you handed the case to the defense?

  Casey Novak : Wayne still got probation.

  Arthur Branch : Really? Well, I may be pro-life, but I'm even more pro-law. Arrest that doctor.

• Arthur Branch : [to Novak]  Who's your trial judge?

  Casey Novak : Elizabeth Donnelly.

  Arthur Branch : Our favorite radical feminist. Wears her views on her sleeve. This would probably appeal to her notion of inequality. I want you to talk to Donnelly. Tell her to recuse herself from this case.

  Casey Novak : On what grounds?

  Arthur Branch : Public views on abortion.

  Casey Novak : I think she's perfectly capable of divorcing her personal beliefs from the case.

  Arthur Branch : I'm not willing to take that risk. Talk to her, Casey, and tell her we can do it unofficially or officially.

• Judge Elizabeth Donnelly : [to Novak]  Are you asking me to recuse myself?

  Casey Novak : I'm sorry, but your public position on abortion rights, your work for Naral, make it impossible for you to appear impartial.

  Judge Elizabeth Donnelly : I'm against detention without trial at Guantanamo, I can still try terrorism cases.

  Casey Novak : Your presence will also politicize the case. It's gonna provide fuel for the pro-life lobby.

  Judge Elizabeth Donnelly : My absence will provide fuel for the pro-choice lobby, which still exists, Casey, even if you've deserted it.

  Casey Novak : It's my job to prosecute this case, regardless of my views.

  Judge Elizabeth Donnelly : And it's my job to try it. I see no reason at all why I should accede to your request, so tell your boss to go screw himself.

  Casey Novak : Elizabeth, if I have to make this request official, you know I'll win. Please don't make me do that.

  Judge Elizabeth Donnelly : Are you threatening me?

  Casey Novak : No. I'm asking you as a friend.

  Judge Elizabeth Donnelly : Branch really got to you, didn't he? All right. I'll recuse myself. Playing politics with the law, Casey. You're heading down a slippery slope.

• Arthur Branch : [to Novak]  Why are you making a deal?

  Casey Novak : Lauren Westley was given fraudulent information by a doctor masquerading as a provider of abortion services.

  Arthur Branch : Did he instruct her to get her boyfriend to batter her baby to death?

  Casey Novak : No.

  Arthur Branch : Did he assist them?

  Casey Novak : He forced them into a corner.

  Arthur Branch : Does that justify battering her? No deals, Casey. Do your job. Prosecute the crime.

  Casey Novak : I am already losing the jury. With this new information, I don't...

  Arthur Branch : You know what's more important than winning or losing? Sending a message that this city won't condone violent crime whatever the duress.

• Sophie Devere : [about Lauren and Wayne]  Casey, they're kids. They're emotionally devastated. They're not in control of their actions.

  Casey Novak : On the contrary. They made a plan, and they executed it.

  Sophie Devere : It was Lauren's plan.

  Casey Novak : She didn't force Wayne to hit her, but he still did. Not once, but 20 times until the lamp shattered. Lauren hit the baby too. And I'm gonna charge them both.

  Sophie Devere : Which means you charge her with a misdemeanor and him with a felony? Gee, does that seem fair to you?