1 00:00:00,700 --> 00:00:02,120 Previously on L .A. Law. 2 00:00:02,400 --> 00:00:05,520 I didn't say we were perfect, but we try to have respect. 3 00:00:05,760 --> 00:00:07,620 Let me tell you about respect, baby. 4 00:00:08,400 --> 00:00:10,120 I've had a sweat for it all my life. 5 00:00:11,000 --> 00:00:12,440 My family was dirt poor. 6 00:00:12,760 --> 00:00:15,040 I went to a pithant college in West Virginia. 7 00:00:15,240 --> 00:00:18,899 And about a hundred pounds ago, I worked my way through law school as a 8 00:00:18,900 --> 00:00:20,580 stripper. Is it hormonal? 9 00:00:21,760 --> 00:00:26,819 Hormonal? As in attraction you don't know what to do with. Even the idea of 10 00:00:26,820 --> 00:00:28,800 sleeping with you is so repulsive. 11 00:00:29,520 --> 00:00:33,480 So totally nauseating that I would rather be celibate. You know Steve 12 00:00:33,680 --> 00:00:37,240 Yeah, legal reporter, Channel 3. Well, he's going on vacation. 13 00:00:37,241 --> 00:00:40,779 And the station needs someone to cover for him for a couple weeks. 14 00:00:40,780 --> 00:00:42,100 But I'm a divorce attorney. 15 00:00:42,120 --> 00:00:45,610 Don't tell me that under that lawyerly suit you're really a romantic. 16 00:00:45,800 --> 00:00:50,039 Well, if by that you mean I believe every woman has one special light in her 17 00:00:50,040 --> 00:00:53,620 that can only be seen by one special man, then I'm guilty as charged. 18 00:00:53,621 --> 00:00:55,379 Lock me up and throw away the key. 19 00:00:55,380 --> 00:00:56,860 Do you want to be a lawyer? 20 00:00:57,140 --> 00:00:58,190 I must. 21 00:00:58,320 --> 00:01:02,100 I can't seem to get away from them. Then do it. It's not that easy. 22 00:01:02,360 --> 00:01:04,410 Law school at night and a full -time job? 23 00:01:04,540 --> 00:01:05,590 Huh, it'll be hell. 24 00:01:05,740 --> 00:01:06,790 You might not make it. 25 00:01:07,600 --> 00:01:09,520 But if you don't try, you'll never know. 26 00:01:09,811 --> 00:01:16,739 Channel 3 spotlights women this week, and I'm here to focus on the working 27 00:01:16,740 --> 00:01:18,740 woman. How does the law protect her? 28 00:01:18,741 --> 00:01:22,629 What are her problems? Damn it! Gwen, why do you always have to make things so 29 00:01:22,630 --> 00:01:26,789 hard for me? We'll talk about that and more when we come back. Jack Dearden 30 00:01:26,790 --> 00:01:29,229 called me on the car phone and he raised holy hell. 31 00:01:29,230 --> 00:01:30,430 What are you doing here? 32 00:01:30,450 --> 00:01:33,760 You are never up to speed anymore. I told you I taped my segment this 33 00:01:33,761 --> 00:01:37,209 I've got the meeting with Dearden. Oh, they never received the third quarter 34 00:01:37,210 --> 00:01:38,249 stock valuation. 35 00:01:38,250 --> 00:01:40,190 I sent them. Oh, how? Pony Express? 36 00:01:40,630 --> 00:01:44,549 Did it ever occur to you that the screw -up might be on their end? Until 37 00:01:44,550 --> 00:01:47,950 recently, there were no screw -ups. And there aren't any now. 38 00:01:48,460 --> 00:01:53,559 Really? Last week you lost the Delahunt file, my expense reports are late, and 39 00:01:53,560 --> 00:01:56,539 there's a giant stack of mail sitting over there that you haven't even begun 40 00:01:56,540 --> 00:02:00,879 answer yet. That is your personal fan mail, Arnie. I will get to it when I 41 00:02:00,880 --> 00:02:03,720 or the station can handle it. I want a personal touch. 42 00:02:04,120 --> 00:02:08,979 You do ten a day, starting now. I have a class tonight. I'm leaving at six. 43 00:02:09,720 --> 00:02:13,760 You know, I've been really understanding, Gwen. Yes, I have been 44 00:02:13,920 --> 00:02:17,180 You're going to law school, and I am trying to be supportive. 45 00:02:17,480 --> 00:02:22,199 But in the end, I am the one who suffers. There are a lot of other bosses 46 00:02:22,200 --> 00:02:26,940 world, Arnie. Some are even human. Don't push me too far. Don't you push me! 47 00:02:26,941 --> 00:02:30,659 You don't go to class until you do ten letters. And if things around here don't 48 00:02:30,660 --> 00:02:36,139 start to improve a lot, you're going to have to choose either law school or this 49 00:02:36,140 --> 00:02:37,190 job. 50 00:02:37,600 --> 00:02:41,239 First, I'd like to say that I am especially sensitive to the concerns of 51 00:02:41,240 --> 00:02:43,650 working woman about the need to be treated with... 52 00:04:48,349 --> 00:04:52,329 Sorry, I had a 6 a .m. photo shoot. The station has me on a brutal P .R. 53 00:04:52,330 --> 00:04:53,380 schedule. 54 00:04:54,390 --> 00:04:56,570 Next up, Kendrick versus MacArthur. 55 00:04:56,571 --> 00:05:00,289 You're taking the trial. I thought you lobbed it to Billy. Don't worry, Dougie. 56 00:05:00,290 --> 00:05:03,509 Billy did the prep. It's still a joint client. This is the man who was nearly 57 00:05:03,510 --> 00:05:05,489 crushed to death over the health food shake. 58 00:05:05,490 --> 00:05:09,109 Gave the term food fight a whole new meaning. It was a diet shake. This case 59 00:05:09,110 --> 00:05:10,029 about weight. 60 00:05:10,030 --> 00:05:12,649 I'm an expert, so I figure I can wipe out the opposition. 61 00:05:12,650 --> 00:05:16,669 Good luck. On a semi -personal note, Grace Van Owens agreed to handle 62 00:05:16,670 --> 00:05:18,909 Berg's hearing, which is supposed to start today. 63 00:05:18,910 --> 00:05:19,749 Veronica Berg? 64 00:05:19,750 --> 00:05:22,589 Her son is developmentally disabled. She's fighting with the school board for 65 00:05:22,590 --> 00:05:24,129 the money to educate him privately. 66 00:05:24,130 --> 00:05:26,969 Oh, and I'd like to thank the partners for agreeing to take this at a reduced 67 00:05:26,970 --> 00:05:30,100 fee. Don't be silly, Douglas. Glad to do it. Who's Veronica Berg? 68 00:05:30,210 --> 00:05:31,260 Okay, that's it. 69 00:05:31,261 --> 00:05:32,409 We're adjourned. 70 00:05:32,410 --> 00:05:33,670 Who is Veronica Berg? 71 00:05:34,370 --> 00:05:35,970 Douglas' ex -sister -in -law. 72 00:05:37,210 --> 00:05:38,260 Oh. 73 00:05:40,300 --> 00:05:43,250 We probably should have taken your case in the first place. 74 00:05:43,300 --> 00:05:48,019 You referred me to a good lawyer. He won at the administrative hearing. I don't 75 00:05:48,020 --> 00:05:50,430 think he counted on the school board appealing. 76 00:05:52,460 --> 00:05:54,220 Grace Van Owen, Veronica Burke. 77 00:05:55,240 --> 00:05:56,290 Hello. Hi. 78 00:05:56,700 --> 00:05:58,840 Very nice to meet you. Nice to meet you. 79 00:05:59,040 --> 00:06:01,120 I've just read your hearing transcripts. 80 00:06:01,121 --> 00:06:06,059 You've still got an uphill climb, but I guess you know that. I've been climbing 81 00:06:06,060 --> 00:06:07,440 this mountain for two years. 82 00:06:07,980 --> 00:06:09,680 This appeal is just another step. 83 00:06:09,681 --> 00:06:15,369 The thing is, is that even though the federal law says the states have to pay 84 00:06:15,370 --> 00:06:19,369 for educating disabled children, even if it means moving them to a private 85 00:06:19,370 --> 00:06:23,249 school, in practice it hardly ever happens. But I think that with a 86 00:06:23,250 --> 00:06:24,910 continuance... No continuance. 87 00:06:25,330 --> 00:06:31,269 If we don't do this today, the judge says we have to wait another six months 88 00:06:31,270 --> 00:06:32,320 a trial date. 89 00:06:33,270 --> 00:06:37,229 Your attorney dropped you three days ago, Mrs. Berg. I just got this case 90 00:06:37,230 --> 00:06:40,750 morning. I don't see how I could possibly represent you. Miss Van Owen. 91 00:06:41,340 --> 00:06:46,519 My son can no longer put on his own clothes or respond to a simple question 92 00:06:46,520 --> 00:06:48,780 like, do you want some ice cream? 93 00:06:49,460 --> 00:06:52,960 I will do whatever you need me to do to get ready. 94 00:06:53,460 --> 00:06:58,619 Summarize the hearing testimony or research the judge's cases on education 95 00:06:58,620 --> 00:07:00,560 iron your blouse for court. 96 00:07:01,280 --> 00:07:07,699 But because my son has to stay in that school until this is resolved, the one 97 00:07:07,700 --> 00:07:11,080 thing I cannot do is wait another six months. months. 98 00:07:11,081 --> 00:07:18,119 You've had your refreshment concession on Hollywood Boulevard for how long, Mr. 99 00:07:18,120 --> 00:07:19,240 Kendrick? 25 years. 100 00:07:19,241 --> 00:07:21,359 I'm a Hollywood fixture, ask anybody. 101 00:07:21,360 --> 00:07:24,199 And Mr. MacArthur's been patronizing you for the past two. 102 00:07:24,200 --> 00:07:27,119 He'd come over every day and he'd have a health shake, sometimes a veggie 103 00:07:27,120 --> 00:07:31,160 burger. We'd talk sports, all very cordial, which is why it was such a 104 00:07:31,161 --> 00:07:32,319 The assault? 105 00:07:32,320 --> 00:07:35,159 Yeah, I mean, one minute I'm ringing up a sale and the next minute he's bearing 106 00:07:35,160 --> 00:07:36,210 down on me. 107 00:07:36,211 --> 00:07:38,389 The floor is shaking with every step. I thought it was in the middle of the 108 00:07:38,390 --> 00:07:41,209 buffalo stampede from Dances with Wolves. Object to the buffalo 109 00:07:41,210 --> 00:07:42,770 characterization, Your Honor. 110 00:07:42,930 --> 00:07:45,040 Sustained. What did Mr. MacArthur do next? 111 00:07:45,270 --> 00:07:49,089 He started yelling at me, cursing, called me a liar and a fraud. He blamed 112 00:07:49,090 --> 00:07:52,069 for his weight gain. I mean, it was crazy. He was out of control. 113 00:07:52,070 --> 00:07:54,229 Demanded his money back, demanded an apology. 114 00:07:54,230 --> 00:07:58,269 And then I just walked away. And he reached over and he grabbed me and he 115 00:07:58,270 --> 00:07:58,909 me down. 116 00:07:58,910 --> 00:08:01,330 And then he, um, sat on me. 117 00:08:01,821 --> 00:08:03,709 Excuse me? 118 00:08:03,710 --> 00:08:05,350 He sat on me and he wouldn't get up. 119 00:08:05,351 --> 00:08:08,459 And all of a sudden, I heard a crack. I thought my spine snapped. 120 00:08:08,460 --> 00:08:11,319 There was a ballpoint pen in my pocket, and they had to surgically remove the 121 00:08:11,320 --> 00:08:12,780 ink cartridge from my thigh. 122 00:08:13,040 --> 00:08:16,950 How long did Mr. MacArthur keep you forcibly restrained? About five minutes, 123 00:08:16,951 --> 00:08:20,399 till the police showed up. And what injury did you suffer as a result of 124 00:08:20,400 --> 00:08:21,450 unprovoked attack? 125 00:08:21,580 --> 00:08:24,230 I had a herniated disc, which I may need an operation. 126 00:08:24,231 --> 00:08:28,199 I can only stand for an hour. It's killing my business, all because of him. 127 00:08:28,200 --> 00:08:30,310 Thank you, Mr. Kendrick. No more questions. 128 00:08:31,900 --> 00:08:32,950 Mr. Kendrick. 129 00:08:33,740 --> 00:08:37,900 Your ads say you offer fast food that isn't fast fat. 130 00:08:38,500 --> 00:08:41,140 Low -calorie, nutritious snacks and shakes. 131 00:08:41,141 --> 00:08:45,379 Yeah, and I've never had a dissatisfied customer until Namu over there. Move to 132 00:08:45,380 --> 00:08:46,760 strike, Namu. So ordered. 133 00:08:46,761 --> 00:08:49,819 So you claim your health shake is low -calorie? Absolutely. 134 00:08:49,820 --> 00:08:51,640 Water, soy paste, skim milk. 135 00:08:51,940 --> 00:08:52,990 70 calories. 136 00:08:53,120 --> 00:08:57,559 But what you don't advertise is the caloric content of the flavorings that 137 00:08:57,560 --> 00:08:59,340 put into this alleged health shake. 138 00:09:00,040 --> 00:09:03,120 Pineapple, guava, and papaya juices, 100 calories apiece. 139 00:09:03,630 --> 00:09:05,590 Dried coconut, 105 calories. 140 00:09:05,910 --> 00:09:07,910 Banana puree, 168 calories. 141 00:09:08,250 --> 00:09:14,250 So instead of 70 calories, your basic health shake is actually 670 calories. 142 00:09:14,251 --> 00:09:17,229 Isn't that right? Hey, he didn't have to order the flavorings. Oh, come on, sir. 143 00:09:17,230 --> 00:09:20,240 We both know that the plain stuff tastes like coolant fluid. 144 00:09:20,241 --> 00:09:23,989 Objection. Sustained. No one would drink your so -called health shake if it 145 00:09:23,990 --> 00:09:26,409 didn't have the flavorings, would they? Absolutely false. 146 00:09:26,410 --> 00:09:28,580 A lot of my customers drink the plain shake. 147 00:09:28,770 --> 00:09:29,820 I drink it myself. 148 00:09:30,470 --> 00:09:31,520 Oh, really? 149 00:09:31,950 --> 00:09:33,000 Really. 150 00:09:34,190 --> 00:09:39,169 Your Honor, both parties stipulate that these are Mr. Kendrick's basic 70 151 00:09:39,170 --> 00:09:43,029 -calorie health shake. I'd like the jury to sample them. Your Honor, I renew my 152 00:09:43,030 --> 00:09:44,080 objection to this. 153 00:09:44,310 --> 00:09:48,449 Each juror's palate is different. This is highly subjective and totally... 154 00:09:48,450 --> 00:09:50,740 Overruled. Get on with it, Mr. Dunphy. Thank you. 155 00:09:56,290 --> 00:10:01,569 Let the record show that none of the jurors turned handsprings after tasting 156 00:10:01,570 --> 00:10:05,200 evidence. So, as we've just seen, the basic drink is undrinkable. 157 00:10:05,860 --> 00:10:11,299 So to get customers to buy it, like Mr. MacArthur, you had to sell them on 158 00:10:11,300 --> 00:10:15,840 additives that caused them to gain weight. And Mr. MacArthur did gain 159 00:10:16,430 --> 00:10:20,830 Nobody held a gun to his head. You had him drinking six or seven shakes a day. 160 00:10:20,831 --> 00:10:24,409 Doesn't give him the right to attack me. Didn't you call him a fat -ass pig? 161 00:10:24,410 --> 00:10:27,929 Yeah, after he called me a liar and he assaulted me with a deadly weapon. 162 00:10:27,930 --> 00:10:30,709 I don't think the state of California classifies a derriere as a deadly 163 00:10:30,710 --> 00:10:34,309 Oh, yeah? Well, he sure as hell is. It was your shakes that were deadly, sir, 164 00:10:34,310 --> 00:10:37,989 and you kept pumping them into Corliss MacArthur. You just kept ringing up 165 00:10:37,990 --> 00:10:39,670 sales so you could make more money. 166 00:10:40,010 --> 00:10:41,810 Objection! Withdrawn. I'm done here. 167 00:10:47,939 --> 00:10:48,989 Hi. Hi. 168 00:10:49,540 --> 00:10:51,020 Arnie told me what happened. 169 00:10:52,120 --> 00:10:57,739 I didn't say that I believed him or that I'm taking sides. I can read between 170 00:10:57,740 --> 00:10:58,790 the lines, Gwen. 171 00:10:59,940 --> 00:11:03,280 Roxanne, I feel uncomfortable talking to you about this. 172 00:11:03,540 --> 00:11:09,159 Don't. I haven't forgotten what he's like to work for. He can be a complete 173 00:11:09,160 --> 00:11:12,559 swine. Well, it's not just that you're involved with him. It's, you know, other 174 00:11:12,560 --> 00:11:17,800 things. Listen, Gwen, what happened between you and Arnie is... Ancient 175 00:11:19,080 --> 00:11:20,280 I'm just here to help. 176 00:11:22,440 --> 00:11:24,640 I never should have taken this job. 177 00:11:24,641 --> 00:11:28,759 He made it perfectly clear what he wanted. Complete subordination. That 178 00:11:28,760 --> 00:11:30,240 isn't even in my vocabulary. 179 00:11:30,880 --> 00:11:32,020 I'll talk to Arnie. 180 00:11:32,640 --> 00:11:34,120 We'll redefine your job. 181 00:11:34,320 --> 00:11:35,900 Mackenzie Brackman, work only. 182 00:11:36,180 --> 00:11:39,320 He'll go through the roof. Look when they don't want to lose you. 183 00:11:39,321 --> 00:11:43,559 I mean, you're the only person besides me who's ever been able to stand Arnie 184 00:11:43,560 --> 00:11:47,200 for more than a day. He knows that. He won't fire you. 185 00:11:47,500 --> 00:11:49,580 No. He'll just work me to death. 186 00:11:50,700 --> 00:11:55,039 Listen, I had a talk with Leland and Douglas. You know, you're due for a pay 187 00:11:55,040 --> 00:11:56,059 raise in March. 188 00:11:56,060 --> 00:12:00,779 Well, we decided it was in the best interest of the firm to offer that to 189 00:12:00,780 --> 00:12:01,830 now. 190 00:12:02,540 --> 00:12:04,700 Even if I might bolt and run? 191 00:12:05,000 --> 00:12:06,050 Yes. 192 00:12:06,460 --> 00:12:09,300 I mean, working for Arnie isn't that great, but... 193 00:12:09,710 --> 00:12:15,309 This is a prestigious firm, and they want you as a secretary now, but why not 194 00:12:15,310 --> 00:12:18,950 a lawyer when you finish school? Just don't cut off your options. 195 00:12:19,890 --> 00:12:21,290 I hadn't thought of that. 196 00:12:21,670 --> 00:12:23,330 Yeah, I'll talk to Arnie. 197 00:12:23,830 --> 00:12:25,750 I think we can work something out. 198 00:12:29,310 --> 00:12:35,510 When Ricky was two, he was diagnosed as having mild cerebral palsy, mild autism, 199 00:12:35,650 --> 00:12:37,790 and a severe auditory learning disorder. 200 00:12:38,480 --> 00:12:42,699 And what do the doctors say this would mean in terms of Ricky's ability to cope 201 00:12:42,700 --> 00:12:47,279 in the world? They said he'd never be able to do something as simple as button 202 00:12:47,280 --> 00:12:52,159 shirt or ride a tricycle. But you didn't believe them, did you? No. I sold my 203 00:12:52,160 --> 00:12:57,399 house and used the money to put Ricky into a residential preschool at the 204 00:12:57,400 --> 00:13:00,110 Institute. And what happened at the Logan Institute? 205 00:13:00,260 --> 00:13:04,400 At the end of three years, Ricky could answer questions in sentences. 206 00:13:05,640 --> 00:13:07,720 He could recognize written words. 207 00:13:08,280 --> 00:13:14,119 and identify shapes and colors. And he not only rode a tricycle, he steered it 208 00:13:14,120 --> 00:13:15,500 around seven traffic cones. 209 00:13:17,760 --> 00:13:22,839 Why didn't you leave him at Logan? I ran out of money. And Woodrow Wilson, my 210 00:13:22,840 --> 00:13:26,879 local public elementary school, assured me that they had an appropriate program 211 00:13:26,880 --> 00:13:27,759 for Ricky. 212 00:13:27,760 --> 00:13:28,810 And did they? No. 213 00:13:29,540 --> 00:13:31,160 My son was never violent. 214 00:13:32,240 --> 00:13:37,480 After two weeks at Woodrow Wilson, he started having outbursts of anger. 215 00:13:38,080 --> 00:13:39,280 He hardly talks anymore. 216 00:13:39,540 --> 00:13:42,920 He's lost 10 pounds, and he won't even go near a tricycle. 217 00:13:43,160 --> 00:13:48,919 Mrs. Berg, would you please tell the court how Ricky spends his time at 218 00:13:48,920 --> 00:13:53,499 Wilson? For 15 minutes each day, he's with the other children in the special 219 00:13:53,500 --> 00:13:54,550 education class. 220 00:13:54,551 --> 00:13:59,599 The rest of the time, he's in a coat closet in the back of the room with an 221 00:13:59,600 --> 00:14:03,200 aide. What is it that you want, Mrs. Berg, from the school district? 222 00:14:03,500 --> 00:14:04,680 The law states... 223 00:14:05,040 --> 00:14:10,039 that if a child can't receive an appropriate education at a public 224 00:14:10,040 --> 00:14:14,240 the state has a responsibility to pay for one at a private school. 225 00:14:15,240 --> 00:14:17,160 I just want them to obey the law. 226 00:14:17,840 --> 00:14:18,980 Thank you, Mrs. Berg. 227 00:14:20,500 --> 00:14:25,899 Mrs. Berg, didn't you agree that Ricky should be separated from the rest of the 228 00:14:25,900 --> 00:14:27,160 class because he... 229 00:14:27,161 --> 00:14:31,249 Couldn't handle the stimulation of being around other children? 230 00:14:31,250 --> 00:14:36,149 The school kept calling me at work two and three times a week to come and get 231 00:14:36,150 --> 00:14:40,450 Ricky because he was out of control. Is that a yes or a no, Mrs. Berg? 232 00:14:40,970 --> 00:14:42,810 Yes, I agreed. 233 00:14:43,090 --> 00:14:44,790 I didn't know what else to do. 234 00:14:45,050 --> 00:14:47,880 How much was Ricky's annual tuition at Logan, Mrs. Berg? 235 00:14:48,130 --> 00:14:49,180 $80 ,000. 236 00:14:49,890 --> 00:14:54,069 And you couldn't afford that? No. But an overcrowded, underbudgeted school 237 00:14:54,070 --> 00:14:55,120 district can. 238 00:14:55,121 --> 00:14:58,949 What about the alternatives the school district offered you, Mrs. Berg, such as 239 00:14:58,950 --> 00:15:00,149 the autistic classroom? 240 00:15:00,150 --> 00:15:01,750 Ricky is only mildly autistic. 241 00:15:02,390 --> 00:15:06,050 He needs an individualized program to address all his disabilities. 242 00:15:06,350 --> 00:15:11,529 A program that includes hypnotism, acupuncture, faith healing... Objection 243 00:15:11,530 --> 00:15:14,529 irrelevant... Haven't you tried all of these things with your son, Mrs. Berg? 244 00:15:14,530 --> 00:15:17,990 That's not what this is about. That is exactly what this is about. 245 00:15:18,540 --> 00:15:22,719 You are not looking for an appropriate education, Mrs. Berg. You're looking for 246 00:15:22,720 --> 00:15:23,659 a miracle. 247 00:15:23,660 --> 00:15:26,370 Objection! My son doesn't need a miracle, Mr. Laporte. 248 00:15:27,060 --> 00:15:29,280 All he needs is the help he was promised. 249 00:15:36,860 --> 00:15:38,900 My weight's gone up and down all my life. 250 00:15:39,520 --> 00:15:43,700 Took me three years to get it down to 190, and I was determined to keep it 251 00:15:44,240 --> 00:15:46,100 And you thought drinking Mr. 252 00:15:46,101 --> 00:15:48,759 Kendrick's health shakes would help keep it off. 253 00:15:48,760 --> 00:15:52,659 That's right. I mean, even after I started gaining weight, I told him my 254 00:15:52,660 --> 00:15:56,739 troubles. I mean, I thought the guy was my friend. And here he is pushing me to 255 00:15:56,740 --> 00:16:00,530 drink more. And all the while, he knows how many calories are in these things. 256 00:16:00,531 --> 00:16:01,999 And how did you discover the truth? 257 00:16:02,000 --> 00:16:05,560 I gave one to a nutritionist. He told me it had over 600 calories. 258 00:16:05,860 --> 00:16:09,979 And you confronted Mr. Kendrick. I am not a violent man, Mr. Dumfries, but he 259 00:16:09,980 --> 00:16:11,030 provoked me. 260 00:16:11,160 --> 00:16:13,400 I just snapped. 261 00:16:13,840 --> 00:16:17,980 I mean, it wasn't like he just ruined my diet. He ruined my life. 262 00:16:18,400 --> 00:16:24,019 After I started binging again, I got so fat that... my wife found me... 263 00:16:24,020 --> 00:16:26,720 sexually undesirable. 264 00:16:27,160 --> 00:16:28,560 My marriage collapsed. 265 00:16:28,800 --> 00:16:31,540 All because of him. His lies and his fraud. 266 00:16:32,000 --> 00:16:35,460 I want him to pay for it. Thank you, Mr. MacArthur. That's all. 267 00:16:37,040 --> 00:16:38,380 Let me get this straight. 268 00:16:39,000 --> 00:16:42,680 You watched my client add juices, fruit... 269 00:16:42,940 --> 00:16:46,699 puree and coconut to your shake, and you didn't think it might add a few 270 00:16:46,700 --> 00:16:50,320 calories? Well, his sign says fewer than 70 calories. That's fraud. 271 00:16:50,640 --> 00:16:55,979 If you see a sale advertising clothes as low as $20, do you assume that every 272 00:16:55,980 --> 00:16:57,140 item is $20? 273 00:16:57,141 --> 00:17:01,619 Now, isn't it possible that you started putting on weight because your wife left 274 00:17:01,620 --> 00:17:02,670 you? It's not true. 275 00:17:02,820 --> 00:17:07,859 And you still insist that my client is responsible for your weight gain? He is, 276 00:17:07,880 --> 00:17:11,459 and he damn well knows it. Your Honor, I would like to introduce these 277 00:17:11,460 --> 00:17:13,319 photographs. Into evidence. 278 00:17:16,900 --> 00:17:21,939 Is this you, sir, last Thursday night, eating a large pizza with everything at 279 00:17:21,940 --> 00:17:22,990 Pepe's Posteria? 280 00:17:22,991 --> 00:17:25,598 Objection! Introducing to impeach, Your Honor. 281 00:17:25,599 --> 00:17:27,720 Overruled. Is this you, sir? 282 00:17:28,140 --> 00:17:32,059 Well, I was under a lot of stress. You know, the trial was starting. I didn't 283 00:17:32,060 --> 00:17:37,079 know what this thing was. And here, three months ago, were you under a lot 284 00:17:37,080 --> 00:17:39,900 stress when you ordered two buckets of fried chicken? 285 00:17:40,520 --> 00:17:44,020 Half a dozen biscuits and a tub of coleslaw the size of Puget Sound? 286 00:17:44,240 --> 00:17:45,860 It's called binging, Miss Bloom. 287 00:17:46,100 --> 00:17:47,280 It's a vicious cycle. 288 00:17:47,540 --> 00:17:49,160 You get fat, you get depressed. 289 00:17:49,420 --> 00:17:52,600 You eat to feel better, but you feel worse, so you eat some more. 290 00:17:52,601 --> 00:17:54,319 I know what it's like, Mr. MacArthur. 291 00:17:54,320 --> 00:17:58,280 But no matter how it gets started, don't we all have it in our power to stop? 292 00:17:58,281 --> 00:18:02,859 Isn't it your own lack of discipline and willpower to lose weight? Look, I was 293 00:18:02,860 --> 00:18:07,060 like an alcoholic, and he's shoving drinks into my ass. Oh, come off it, Mr. 294 00:18:07,061 --> 00:18:10,399 MacArthur. You can't face your weight problem, so you need something or 295 00:18:10,400 --> 00:18:13,350 to blame it on. And this time it's Lyle Kendricks, isn't it? 296 00:18:14,960 --> 00:18:18,280 I've been director of admissions for Logan for 12 years. 297 00:18:19,000 --> 00:18:24,319 Ricky's combination of disabilities was unusual, but his progress was one of the 298 00:18:24,320 --> 00:18:26,180 most remarkable I've seen. 299 00:18:26,730 --> 00:18:30,610 And now, 18 months after he's left Logan, what is Ricky's condition? 300 00:18:30,950 --> 00:18:33,210 It's almost as if he never went there. 301 00:18:33,490 --> 00:18:37,430 So to make lasting progress, Ricky would have to stay at Logan indefinitely? 302 00:18:37,770 --> 00:18:42,729 No. Our goal is to give these children a solid foundation and then return them 303 00:18:42,730 --> 00:18:46,409 to the public school system as soon as possible, provided there is an 304 00:18:46,410 --> 00:18:50,309 appropriate program for the child to go back to. What does a child get for $80 305 00:18:50,310 --> 00:18:51,470 ,000 a year? 306 00:18:51,930 --> 00:18:55,989 No class has more than eight students. Along with the teacher and at least one 307 00:18:55,990 --> 00:18:57,910 aide, there's a speech pathologist. 308 00:18:58,130 --> 00:19:02,290 Children who need it receive occupational and physical therapy on 309 00:19:02,490 --> 00:19:07,669 So in your opinion, Mrs. Rawlinson, what would become of Ricky if he doesn't get 310 00:19:07,670 --> 00:19:09,470 this kind of one -on -one education? 311 00:19:09,930 --> 00:19:13,670 Ricky could end up living out his adult life in an institution. 312 00:19:14,270 --> 00:19:16,990 And what would that cost the state of California? 313 00:19:17,430 --> 00:19:19,750 Up to $200 ,000 a year. 314 00:19:20,410 --> 00:19:21,970 Thank you. No further questions. 315 00:19:23,850 --> 00:19:29,429 Miss Rawlinson, you said that if Ricky leaves your program, he may have to be 316 00:19:29,430 --> 00:19:31,190 institutionalized as an adult. 317 00:19:31,470 --> 00:19:35,429 Now, do you guarantee that if he stays in your program, that won't happen? Of 318 00:19:35,430 --> 00:19:36,129 course not. 319 00:19:36,130 --> 00:19:38,360 But his chances could end... Isn't it true that... 320 00:19:38,590 --> 00:19:43,170 The earlier a disabled child gets mainstreamed into the public school 321 00:19:43,250 --> 00:19:44,990 the better chance he has at success. 322 00:19:44,991 --> 00:19:48,229 Yes, assuming that the problem is... And yet of the 50 students currently 323 00:19:48,230 --> 00:19:53,209 enrolled at Logan Institute, 10 have been there more than three years, and 324 00:19:53,210 --> 00:19:56,809 students have been there more than seven years, haven't they? We're talking 325 00:19:56,810 --> 00:19:57,860 about individuals. 326 00:19:58,540 --> 00:20:00,460 We're a school, not a sausage factory. 327 00:20:00,720 --> 00:20:04,820 But the longer these children stay in your school, the more state funds you 328 00:20:04,821 --> 00:20:08,139 Objection irrelevant to the... The witness has a financial interest in the 329 00:20:08,140 --> 00:20:09,599 outcome of this case, Your Honor. 330 00:20:09,600 --> 00:20:14,199 I will know it. Ms. Rollerson, how many of your students attending Logan 331 00:20:14,200 --> 00:20:16,200 Institute are on state funds? 332 00:20:17,400 --> 00:20:20,260 47. 47 out of 50. 333 00:20:20,261 --> 00:20:24,239 The Education for All Handicapped Children Act has been quite a goldmine 334 00:20:24,240 --> 00:20:25,960 you. Objection. Withdrawn. 335 00:20:26,160 --> 00:20:27,240 No further questions. 336 00:20:30,060 --> 00:20:31,980 Why didn't you tell me this last night? 337 00:20:32,180 --> 00:20:34,040 It would have ruined a lovely evening. 338 00:20:34,041 --> 00:20:37,539 I complain about Gwen's competence, her attitude, her hours, and you give her a 339 00:20:37,540 --> 00:20:41,599 raise? Stuart never had anything but praise for Gwen. Stuart Markowitz has a 340 00:20:41,600 --> 00:20:45,099 small, quiet back -office practice. His needs are completely different from 341 00:20:45,100 --> 00:20:47,400 mine. For me, Gwen is a nightmare. 342 00:20:47,880 --> 00:20:50,170 I never had these problems with you. Why, Cal? 343 00:20:50,860 --> 00:20:55,739 Eleven years, I had to fight tooth and nail for every raise I got. Did you ever 344 00:20:55,740 --> 00:20:59,200 think about promoting me? No, it took Douglas Brackman to do that. 345 00:20:59,690 --> 00:21:03,809 And let's not forget, you fired me. When did this turn into a conversation about 346 00:21:03,810 --> 00:21:08,549 you and me? What is it you really want, Arnie? For Gwen to quit law school so 347 00:21:08,550 --> 00:21:13,529 she could spend more time sending out your 8x10 glossies? I am a partner in 348 00:21:13,530 --> 00:21:14,810 firm. Gwen is our employee. 349 00:21:15,070 --> 00:21:19,770 As long as this firm benefits from my exposure, she will answer my fan mail, 350 00:21:19,890 --> 00:21:23,310 period. This is your ego talking, Arnie. 351 00:21:23,950 --> 00:21:28,550 You're a legal segment on a local news show, not Tom Brokaw. 352 00:21:28,551 --> 00:21:31,409 And you identify too closely with the secretarial staff. 353 00:21:31,410 --> 00:21:35,140 You're an office manager, Roxanne. You ought to be a little more objective. 354 00:21:35,630 --> 00:21:39,790 If I were more objective, I probably wouldn't be with you. 355 00:21:47,410 --> 00:21:51,909 Overeating is a disease much like alcoholism. If Mr. MacArthur were 356 00:21:51,910 --> 00:21:55,709 stay sober and Mr. Kendrick had spiked his drink with liquor, I doubt anyone 357 00:21:55,710 --> 00:21:58,000 would blame Mr. MacArthur for losing control. 358 00:21:58,110 --> 00:22:02,430 And doctor, what frame of mind would a person have to be in to do what Mr. 359 00:22:02,431 --> 00:22:03,349 MacArthur did? 360 00:22:03,350 --> 00:22:07,829 An obese person's weight is tied to their self -image, self -confidence, 361 00:22:07,830 --> 00:22:12,109 assurance. When someone promises to help you get slimmer and healthier, but 362 00:22:12,110 --> 00:22:14,529 instead they make you heavier, That's traumatic enough. 363 00:22:14,530 --> 00:22:18,950 But when it's compounded by that same person calling you a fat pig or namu, 364 00:22:18,951 --> 00:22:21,049 you're looking at psychological damage. 365 00:22:21,050 --> 00:22:24,780 And you trace all this back to what? To Mr. Kendrick's misrepresentations. 366 00:22:25,030 --> 00:22:29,229 If not for him, Corliss MacArthur might still be on a diet and a happily married 367 00:22:29,230 --> 00:22:31,670 man. Objection. Move to strike. Speculative. 368 00:22:32,090 --> 00:22:34,440 Sustained. Thank you, Doctor. Nothing further. 369 00:22:37,270 --> 00:22:39,150 If not for my client... 370 00:22:39,550 --> 00:22:41,950 Mr. MacArthur might still be on his diet. 371 00:22:42,210 --> 00:22:44,170 Or he might not. Right, Doctor? 372 00:22:44,650 --> 00:22:48,529 Yes, but... And if my client had never been born, Mr. MacArthur might have been 373 00:22:48,530 --> 00:22:51,669 so overwhelmed by the sight of a King Burrito, he could have fallen off the 374 00:22:51,670 --> 00:22:53,309 wagon by himself. Isn't that correct? 375 00:22:53,310 --> 00:22:57,589 Maybe, but Mr. Kendrick's actions virtually assured it. The obese are 376 00:22:57,590 --> 00:22:59,630 vulnerable to this kind of exploitation. 377 00:22:59,890 --> 00:23:00,940 Really? 378 00:23:01,270 --> 00:23:02,320 All of us? 379 00:23:03,110 --> 00:23:05,350 This is based on demographic studies. 380 00:23:05,970 --> 00:23:07,250 Profiles. Profiles. 381 00:23:07,820 --> 00:23:08,870 Or stereotypes. 382 00:23:09,340 --> 00:23:14,599 Are you saying, Doctor, that all fat people are so psychologically unstable 383 00:23:14,600 --> 00:23:18,279 they are moved to physical assault more easily than thin people? No, I'm not. I 384 00:23:18,280 --> 00:23:19,840 was talking about Mr. MacArthur. 385 00:23:19,920 --> 00:23:21,480 Oh, so he's unstable. 386 00:23:21,880 --> 00:23:22,930 He was provoked. 387 00:23:23,140 --> 00:23:24,520 Psychologically damaged? 388 00:23:24,521 --> 00:23:26,019 Emotionally devastated? 389 00:23:26,020 --> 00:23:27,760 He sure sounds unstable to me. 390 00:23:28,180 --> 00:23:30,580 Objection! Sustained. I have nothing further. 391 00:23:40,311 --> 00:23:45,759 I'm leaving and I'll be out of your way in a minute. Relax. 392 00:23:45,760 --> 00:23:46,840 All I need is one book. 393 00:23:47,500 --> 00:23:48,640 I'll get out of your way. 394 00:23:50,720 --> 00:23:51,770 How's it going? 395 00:23:52,080 --> 00:23:53,220 Great. It's great. 396 00:23:53,221 --> 00:23:56,699 Don't fall behind in the reading. You'll never catch up. 397 00:23:56,700 --> 00:23:59,710 And you've got to join a study group or you'll never survive. 398 00:24:00,500 --> 00:24:02,240 I guess by now you've been called on. 399 00:24:02,360 --> 00:24:04,850 No. No, I haven't been called on to recite. 400 00:24:05,050 --> 00:24:08,250 I haven't found a study group, and I am way behind in my reading. 401 00:24:08,630 --> 00:24:13,209 I'm getting four hours of sleep a night. I'm carrying a full course load I'm not 402 00:24:13,210 --> 00:24:14,330 even sure I can pay for. 403 00:24:14,530 --> 00:24:18,289 And it's a very real question as to whether I've even got what it takes to 404 00:24:18,290 --> 00:24:19,340 lawyer. 405 00:24:19,550 --> 00:24:20,600 Satisfied? 406 00:24:30,600 --> 00:24:34,160 Mrs. Palsgraf versus Long Island Railroad. That brings back memories. 407 00:24:34,540 --> 00:24:37,670 Two porters stop a man from falling as he tries to catch a train. 408 00:24:39,420 --> 00:24:40,860 What was it he dropped again? 409 00:24:42,160 --> 00:24:48,339 A package which turned out to contain firework. Right. The fireworks explode 410 00:24:48,340 --> 00:24:52,779 impact with the tracks, causing a set of scales to topple and fall on dear old 411 00:24:52,780 --> 00:24:54,890 Mrs. Palsgraf, who happened to be passing. 412 00:24:54,891 --> 00:24:57,839 I agree with the trial court, not the appellate. She should have recovered 413 00:24:57,840 --> 00:24:58,819 the railroad company. 414 00:24:58,820 --> 00:24:59,900 How can you say that? 415 00:25:00,580 --> 00:25:04,519 Cardozo's absolutely right when he limits duty to foreseeability. Those 416 00:25:04,520 --> 00:25:07,779 had no way of knowing what was in that package, and they're not the proximate 417 00:25:07,780 --> 00:25:09,520 cause of Mrs. Palsgraft's injuries. 418 00:25:09,680 --> 00:25:14,179 Proximate cause is a convenience used by the law to refuse arbitrarily to follow 419 00:25:14,180 --> 00:25:16,399 a chain of events back beyond a particular point. 420 00:25:16,400 --> 00:25:20,359 Oh, so if I leave a pair of scissors on this table and someone uses them to 421 00:25:20,360 --> 00:25:24,259 murder someone, I'm liable even though I couldn't foresee the intended use? I 422 00:25:24,260 --> 00:25:26,310 think that's off the point. It's on point. 423 00:25:26,400 --> 00:25:30,619 The law requires reasonable behavior, not being able to predict the weird 424 00:25:30,620 --> 00:25:35,160 of events that you're talking about. 425 00:25:40,660 --> 00:25:42,120 I'd say you have what it takes. 426 00:26:05,899 --> 00:26:07,040 Okay, here's our offer. 427 00:26:07,260 --> 00:26:11,779 You pay $1 ,500 compensation for the shake, $3 ,500 damages. You're nuts. 428 00:26:11,780 --> 00:26:12,830 about my damages? 429 00:26:12,831 --> 00:26:13,579 I agree. 430 00:26:13,580 --> 00:26:14,630 You're in a hole, Joe. 431 00:26:14,631 --> 00:26:16,679 I'd rather take our chances with the jury. 432 00:26:16,680 --> 00:26:17,880 All right, $3 ,000 total. 433 00:26:18,040 --> 00:26:19,160 No, stop bargaining. 434 00:26:19,400 --> 00:26:23,199 I never wanted to settle. I'll let you talk me into this. But I won't stand 435 00:26:23,200 --> 00:26:24,760 and bake. You should reconsider. 436 00:26:25,180 --> 00:26:27,230 Joe will tell you I carved up your expert. 437 00:26:27,280 --> 00:26:30,050 I don't need an expert. I'm in the right here. Guess again. 438 00:26:30,051 --> 00:26:34,149 What the jury sees is a guy who's got a lot of emotional problems, who wants the 439 00:26:34,150 --> 00:26:36,929 world to pay for what he... And what about what you're carrying around, Miss 440 00:26:36,930 --> 00:26:40,689 Bloom? What about your weight? That's not the issue here, Mr. McCarthy. The 441 00:26:40,690 --> 00:26:41,549 it's not. 442 00:26:41,550 --> 00:26:45,249 You're in denial. You can't even admit you've got a problem. And instead of 443 00:26:45,250 --> 00:26:49,510 dealing with it, instead of losing your weight, you beat me up. That's garbage. 444 00:26:49,511 --> 00:26:50,229 Is it? 445 00:26:50,230 --> 00:26:51,490 You know how I feel. 446 00:26:52,290 --> 00:26:54,070 But you make jokes about me. 447 00:26:54,430 --> 00:26:57,500 Well, whether you like it or not, Miss Bloom, you're one of us. 448 00:26:58,010 --> 00:26:59,810 You're just sleeping with the enemy. 449 00:27:05,320 --> 00:27:11,780 Dr. Leeson, as the district's special education administrator, 450 00:27:12,260 --> 00:27:16,259 do you believe you are providing Ricky Berg with the legally mandated 451 00:27:16,260 --> 00:27:17,520 appropriate education? 452 00:27:18,020 --> 00:27:22,280 Yes. Ricky has regular sessions with speech and physical therapists. 453 00:27:22,540 --> 00:27:26,879 We've also started a home tutoring program. We've seen improvement in his 454 00:27:26,880 --> 00:27:30,140 concentration and his ability to respond to direct questions. 455 00:27:30,490 --> 00:27:33,610 The home tutoring seems to be helping his interaction. 456 00:27:34,150 --> 00:27:38,090 Do you care what happens to Ricky Berg, Dr. Leeson? Of course I do. We all do. 457 00:27:39,010 --> 00:27:41,450 I just wish Mrs. Berg believed that. 458 00:27:41,650 --> 00:27:43,030 I have no further questions. 459 00:27:44,290 --> 00:27:49,609 Dr. Leeson, if you're giving Ricky Berg an appropriate education, why are so 460 00:27:49,610 --> 00:27:54,409 many of his skills measurably lower today than they were when he came to 461 00:27:54,410 --> 00:27:55,790 Wilson a year and a half ago? 462 00:27:55,930 --> 00:28:00,139 Part of the challenge of working with kids like Ricky is that... No one knows 463 00:28:00,140 --> 00:28:03,619 what's going to get through to them from one day to the next. Doctor, if Ricky 464 00:28:03,620 --> 00:28:07,259 Berg were your son, would it be okay if he spent most of his school day in a 465 00:28:07,260 --> 00:28:09,240 closet? Objection. I'll allow it. 466 00:28:09,980 --> 00:28:11,140 It's not a closet. 467 00:28:11,780 --> 00:28:16,200 There are no hangers, no coats, no coat racks. 468 00:28:16,500 --> 00:28:19,570 Was it a closet before you needed a place to stick Ricky Berg? 469 00:28:20,180 --> 00:28:23,920 Objection. Was Ricky Berg's private classroom ever a closet? 470 00:28:25,220 --> 00:28:27,440 Yes, but he's not there alone. 471 00:28:28,720 --> 00:28:33,239 Ricky's calm enough. He and an aide work towards specific goals using puzzles 472 00:28:33,240 --> 00:28:36,700 and clay and picture books. But he is not with a qualified teacher. 473 00:28:36,900 --> 00:28:39,100 He is not with other children, is he? 474 00:28:39,540 --> 00:28:44,939 No. So if you were Ricky Berg's parent, would you be satisfied if he spent most 475 00:28:44,940 --> 00:28:48,440 of his school day inside a former closet with a babysitter? 476 00:28:48,660 --> 00:28:54,320 Knowing what I know about Ricky and about Woodrow Wilson, yes, 477 00:28:54,540 --> 00:28:56,480 I would be satisfied. 478 00:29:00,230 --> 00:29:01,310 No further questions. 479 00:29:01,550 --> 00:29:05,100 If that's your last witness, Mr. Laporte, I'll hear closing arguments. 480 00:29:05,170 --> 00:29:08,180 Your Honor, I request a delay to produce a rebuttal witness. 481 00:29:08,550 --> 00:29:12,269 Your Honor, either she has the witness or she doesn't. He is reluctant to 482 00:29:12,270 --> 00:29:13,810 testify, but I think he will. 483 00:29:14,010 --> 00:29:16,830 You have 24 hours, Miss Van Owen. Thank you. 484 00:29:22,650 --> 00:29:25,060 Lyle Kendrick wasn't just selling health food. 485 00:29:26,230 --> 00:29:27,290 He was selling hope. 486 00:29:29,040 --> 00:29:33,399 People like him prey on more than their victims' wallets. They prey on their 487 00:29:33,400 --> 00:29:39,299 dreams. If Mr. Kendrick ripped off old people by promising them relief from 488 00:29:39,300 --> 00:29:43,439 or aging, if he swindled the handicapped or minorities, there'd be no question 489 00:29:43,440 --> 00:29:44,490 as to his liability. 490 00:29:45,120 --> 00:29:48,500 But fat people? They're a joke. How can you hurt them? 491 00:29:49,760 --> 00:29:50,810 Well, you can. 492 00:29:51,420 --> 00:29:52,470 And he did. 493 00:29:54,200 --> 00:29:56,480 Corliss MacArthur has a serious illness. 494 00:29:56,970 --> 00:30:02,129 Lyle Kendrick pretended to be his friend. He held out health and hope and 495 00:30:02,130 --> 00:30:03,330 promise of a better life. 496 00:30:04,710 --> 00:30:07,050 He betrayed Mr. MacArthur's trust. 497 00:30:09,630 --> 00:30:11,390 That betrayal should have a price. 498 00:30:19,590 --> 00:30:25,330 Lyle Kendrick is not responsible for Corliss MacArthur's problem. 499 00:30:26,120 --> 00:30:29,620 He is not a therapist, nor a nutritionist. 500 00:30:30,020 --> 00:30:32,860 He's a businessman trying to sell his product. 501 00:30:33,300 --> 00:30:37,060 And Mr. MacArthur chose to buy that product of his own free will. 502 00:30:37,620 --> 00:30:38,780 How dare they? 503 00:30:39,140 --> 00:30:44,699 How dare they suggest that an entire class of people are more gullible, more 504 00:30:44,700 --> 00:30:49,179 suggestible, and less able to look out for their own best interest simply 505 00:30:49,180 --> 00:30:50,280 because they are fat? 506 00:30:52,020 --> 00:30:54,560 They want you to believe... 507 00:30:54,830 --> 00:30:57,190 that all fat people are alike. 508 00:30:58,210 --> 00:30:59,260 Why? 509 00:30:59,261 --> 00:31:02,669 Because then they don't have to deal with us as individuals. 510 00:31:02,670 --> 00:31:07,469 They can claim that we're all driven by the same demons, that we're so fragile 511 00:31:07,470 --> 00:31:13,989 in our self -image, so unstable, that physical assault, like the attack on my 512 00:31:13,990 --> 00:31:15,830 client, is somehow justified. 513 00:31:16,470 --> 00:31:22,189 There are good fat people and bad fat people. There are sloppy fat people and 514 00:31:22,190 --> 00:31:23,240 neat fat people. 515 00:31:23,260 --> 00:31:28,300 There are well -balanced fat people, and there are unstable fat people. 516 00:31:29,060 --> 00:31:33,020 Corliss MacArthur is an unstable man who battered my client. 517 00:31:33,740 --> 00:31:36,160 It has nothing to do with his being fat. 518 00:31:36,400 --> 00:31:40,180 And if you decide that it does, then you diminish us all. 519 00:31:40,540 --> 00:31:47,539 Tell everybody that we are people, not profiles, and that each one of us is 520 00:31:47,540 --> 00:31:48,590 different. 521 00:32:01,040 --> 00:32:02,340 Come on in. Good boy. 522 00:32:03,020 --> 00:32:04,160 Look, Ricky's a winner. 523 00:32:05,060 --> 00:32:07,760 You won. Hey, all right. 524 00:32:08,500 --> 00:32:10,140 You are a winner. 525 00:32:11,480 --> 00:32:14,300 Ricky, this is Ms. Van Owen. Hi, Ricky. 526 00:32:14,560 --> 00:32:16,240 Look, there's an elephant here. 527 00:32:16,241 --> 00:32:18,139 See it? 528 00:32:18,140 --> 00:32:19,190 That's neat. 529 00:32:21,500 --> 00:32:26,420 Grace, this is Dan Bardwell, Ricky's favorite teacher. This is Grace Van 530 00:32:26,600 --> 00:32:27,650 my new attorney. 531 00:32:27,660 --> 00:32:28,710 Hi. 532 00:32:28,711 --> 00:32:31,999 Are you sure you don't want me to stick around, help get Ricky to bed? Oh, no, 533 00:32:32,000 --> 00:32:33,440 it's okay. I can take care of it. 534 00:32:33,820 --> 00:32:36,880 But Grace would like to talk to you. 535 00:32:38,440 --> 00:32:41,140 Ronnie, we've been over this. Dan, I know. 536 00:32:41,380 --> 00:32:47,100 And I wasn't going to ask you again, but... Oh, 537 00:32:51,020 --> 00:32:53,970 sweetie, come on. Come on, let's go brush your teeth, okay? 538 00:32:54,200 --> 00:32:56,200 You like that, huh? Come on, sweetie. 539 00:32:56,880 --> 00:32:58,080 That's a good boy. 540 00:32:58,340 --> 00:32:59,390 Good boy. 541 00:33:00,020 --> 00:33:01,580 Good night, okay? 542 00:33:01,900 --> 00:33:02,950 Bye. 543 00:33:03,620 --> 00:33:09,220 Veronica tells me you think that Ricky should move back to Logan. 544 00:33:10,220 --> 00:33:12,120 I need you to tell that to a judge. 545 00:33:12,320 --> 00:33:16,439 Did she also tell you that if I testify against the school district, I'll lose 546 00:33:16,440 --> 00:33:19,680 my job? They can't fire you if you testify. 547 00:33:19,880 --> 00:33:23,180 They can't do that. So they'll come up with some other reason. 548 00:33:23,400 --> 00:33:26,170 Then we'll take them to court. I'll represent you. No fee. 549 00:33:26,810 --> 00:33:29,220 Will you feed my kids when I'm on unemployment? 550 00:33:29,221 --> 00:33:32,889 And the students I leave behind, will you finish teaching them for the rest of 551 00:33:32,890 --> 00:33:34,390 the year? I could subpoena you. 552 00:33:34,730 --> 00:33:36,030 I won't be cooperative. 553 00:33:36,031 --> 00:33:39,629 I won't lie, but I won't say anything that'll help you either. 554 00:33:39,630 --> 00:33:40,710 I don't need your help. 555 00:33:41,510 --> 00:33:43,070 Ricky needs your help. 556 00:33:43,350 --> 00:33:47,140 Do you think I'd come here three nights a week if I didn't want to help Ricky? 557 00:33:47,550 --> 00:33:48,600 I want to. 558 00:33:49,050 --> 00:33:52,410 I want what's best for him. Then tell that to the court. 559 00:33:55,150 --> 00:34:00,209 I care for them all, Ms. Van Owen. For Ricky, yes, but also for John and Cara 560 00:34:00,210 --> 00:34:02,510 and Billy and Rachel and a dozen more. 561 00:34:03,630 --> 00:34:06,100 And some of them are far more disabled than Ricky. 562 00:34:06,490 --> 00:34:08,290 I owe them something, too. 563 00:34:09,170 --> 00:34:10,220 I'm sorry. 564 00:34:24,460 --> 00:34:28,738 Your Honor, counsel is supposed to produce a witness, not a media show. I 565 00:34:28,739 --> 00:34:32,219 produce a witness, but this tape is relevant to his testimony. 566 00:34:32,719 --> 00:34:36,179 Objection overruled. But let's get on with it, Miss Vannoy. 567 00:34:40,540 --> 00:34:45,658 Your Honor, about two months after this home movie was made, the little boy, Eli 568 00:34:45,659 --> 00:34:50,859 King, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, autism, and an auditory learning 569 00:34:50,860 --> 00:34:53,260 disability very much like Ricky Berg. 570 00:34:53,690 --> 00:34:55,150 Now, that was 11 years ago. 571 00:34:56,750 --> 00:34:59,130 Your Honor, I would like you to meet Eli King. 572 00:35:04,170 --> 00:35:11,110 Where did you go to school, 573 00:35:11,170 --> 00:35:12,220 Eli? 574 00:35:13,630 --> 00:35:19,130 I graduated from Grover Cleveland High School. 575 00:35:20,030 --> 00:35:22,140 And what about when you were a little boy? 576 00:35:23,310 --> 00:35:26,410 I went to the Logan Institute. 577 00:35:27,110 --> 00:35:29,870 And today, do you have a job at the public library? 578 00:35:31,070 --> 00:35:32,120 Yes. 579 00:35:33,270 --> 00:35:39,489 I put away books and... You 580 00:35:39,490 --> 00:35:41,570 need some help, Eli? 581 00:35:44,730 --> 00:35:46,330 Yes, I do. 582 00:35:47,350 --> 00:35:49,230 Catalog. Yes. 583 00:35:49,470 --> 00:35:51,210 I catalog. 584 00:35:52,910 --> 00:35:53,960 New books. 585 00:35:53,990 --> 00:35:55,430 Do you get paid for your work? 586 00:35:55,770 --> 00:35:58,910 Yes, and I just got a raise, too. 587 00:35:59,710 --> 00:36:00,760 Congratulations. 588 00:36:01,230 --> 00:36:02,280 Thank you. 589 00:36:02,630 --> 00:36:04,050 Do you support yourself? 590 00:36:06,370 --> 00:36:08,870 My parents help. 591 00:36:11,290 --> 00:36:12,870 But I do most of it. 592 00:36:13,970 --> 00:36:15,020 Thank you, Eli. 593 00:36:15,890 --> 00:36:16,940 No more questions. 594 00:36:22,570 --> 00:36:23,620 Hi, Eli. 595 00:36:25,750 --> 00:36:27,330 Who brought you here today? 596 00:36:29,010 --> 00:36:34,230 Grace and Miss O 'Gratherson. 597 00:36:35,290 --> 00:36:37,310 How long were you at Logan? 598 00:36:38,690 --> 00:36:41,110 Till ninth grade. 599 00:36:43,110 --> 00:36:44,310 Eight years. 600 00:36:44,710 --> 00:36:46,760 And then you went to a public high school. 601 00:36:48,170 --> 00:36:49,220 Yes. 602 00:36:49,720 --> 00:36:53,880 Did you learn as much at the public high school as you did at Logan? 603 00:36:56,180 --> 00:36:57,230 Yes. 604 00:36:58,420 --> 00:36:59,470 I did. 605 00:37:00,440 --> 00:37:01,490 Thank you, Eli. 606 00:37:04,980 --> 00:37:06,660 Have the jury reached a decision? 607 00:37:06,960 --> 00:37:08,040 We have, Your Honor. 608 00:37:08,880 --> 00:37:13,739 On the claim of assault and battery, we fine for Mr. Kendrick and order damages 609 00:37:13,740 --> 00:37:15,280 in the amount of $5 ,000. 610 00:37:16,160 --> 00:37:20,340 And on the cross -claim of fraud and false advertising, we fine for Mr. 611 00:37:20,560 --> 00:37:23,860 McArthur and order damages in the amount of $5 ,000. 612 00:37:24,760 --> 00:37:25,840 Well, I'll be damned. 613 00:37:26,100 --> 00:37:30,739 Well, it would seem the scales of justice have balanced out. Ladies and 614 00:37:30,740 --> 00:37:33,600 gentlemen of the jury, thank you. We are adjourned. Sorry. 615 00:37:35,520 --> 00:37:42,379 I know you call me unstable, but I'd 616 00:37:42,380 --> 00:37:44,430 still like to thank you for what you said. 617 00:37:51,790 --> 00:37:55,969 Your Honor, have you ever had one of those dreams where someone is talking to 618 00:37:55,970 --> 00:38:00,949 you, but you don't understand them? No matter how hard you concentrate, you 619 00:38:00,950 --> 00:38:03,390 cannot figure out what the words mean. 620 00:38:04,150 --> 00:38:11,109 Now imagine experiencing the whole world like that. Everything you see or touch 621 00:38:11,110 --> 00:38:16,530 or smell makes no sense to you. It's all chaotic and frightening. 622 00:38:17,710 --> 00:38:19,270 Now imagine... 623 00:38:19,840 --> 00:38:24,859 that you only have partial control of your own body, and the world is this 624 00:38:24,860 --> 00:38:30,080 constant, clamoring jumble that you're supposed to navigate somehow. 625 00:38:30,760 --> 00:38:35,720 Well, that's what Ricky Berg experiences every day. 626 00:38:35,960 --> 00:38:42,819 But somehow, the Logan Institute made contact with Ricky, and they helped him 627 00:38:42,820 --> 00:38:43,980 to communicate. 628 00:38:45,180 --> 00:38:50,619 They helped him to recognize shapes and colors. They helped him take a tricycle 629 00:38:50,620 --> 00:38:53,860 and make it do what he wanted it to do. 630 00:38:54,540 --> 00:38:58,300 And what did Woodrow Wilson Elementary School do? 631 00:38:58,640 --> 00:39:00,760 They put him in a closet. 632 00:39:01,060 --> 00:39:07,039 And because they cannot provide Ricky with an appropriate education, they want 633 00:39:07,040 --> 00:39:08,800 you to believe that no one can. 634 00:39:09,380 --> 00:39:14,420 They want you to think that this is unnecessary spending when the truth 635 00:39:14,920 --> 00:39:21,179 The more we, the taxpayers, spend on Ricky now, the more we save in the long 636 00:39:21,180 --> 00:39:28,039 run. Ricky Berg can be as independent as Eli King, but until the 637 00:39:28,040 --> 00:39:33,360 public schools can fulfill their obligations to a child like Ricky, 638 00:39:33,480 --> 00:39:39,459 sending him back to Logan is not just the right thing to do, not just 639 00:39:39,460 --> 00:39:42,340 the legally correct thing to do. 640 00:39:44,040 --> 00:39:46,740 It is the responsible thing to do. 641 00:39:47,380 --> 00:39:48,430 Thank you. 642 00:39:57,000 --> 00:40:03,580 Your Honor, in an ideal world, every child would have his own teacher, 643 00:40:03,740 --> 00:40:10,580 his own computer, the best textbook, and for a disabled child, 644 00:40:10,900 --> 00:40:12,640 a whole battery of therapists. 645 00:40:13,440 --> 00:40:20,319 In the real world, the state of California gets about $4 ,500 per child 646 00:40:20,320 --> 00:40:21,370 per year. 647 00:40:22,960 --> 00:40:27,639 Now, if they're going to have to pay private tuition out of that, they're 648 00:40:27,640 --> 00:40:32,279 to have to cut a lot of services. And I'm not talking about intramural sports 649 00:40:32,280 --> 00:40:33,560 and art supplies. 650 00:40:34,100 --> 00:40:36,640 They lost those two or three budgets ago. 651 00:40:37,640 --> 00:40:42,580 I'm talking about science equipment and desks. 652 00:40:43,240 --> 00:40:46,780 and books, and teachers. 653 00:40:47,080 --> 00:40:52,719 The law says that the state must provide every disabled child with an 654 00:40:52,720 --> 00:40:57,260 appropriate education, not the best that money can buy. 655 00:40:57,560 --> 00:41:03,779 The school district can give Ricky Berg an appropriate, beneficial education 656 00:41:03,780 --> 00:41:05,680 in a mainstream environment. 657 00:41:06,880 --> 00:41:08,280 Let them do it. 658 00:41:10,660 --> 00:41:14,040 Let Ricky Berg Get on with the business of learning. 659 00:41:20,180 --> 00:41:24,359 On my desk tomorrow a .m. Arnie, these depositions have to be filed by five 660 00:41:24,360 --> 00:41:26,890 today. So I'm not tracking here. Is there a problem? 661 00:41:27,100 --> 00:41:29,090 Yes. Another late night. Excuse me, Gwen. 662 00:41:29,091 --> 00:41:32,359 I have to be on the air in 40 minutes. The last thing I have time for are your 663 00:41:32,360 --> 00:41:33,410 problems. 664 00:41:38,960 --> 00:41:44,179 There is no question that public school funding in this state is disgraceful and 665 00:41:44,180 --> 00:41:48,620 that cost is an appropriate and necessary consideration in these 666 00:41:49,260 --> 00:41:52,380 But the bottom line is a beneficial education. 667 00:41:53,440 --> 00:41:57,819 While it may be cost -effective to put this child in a closet with an aide, I 668 00:41:57,820 --> 00:42:02,100 find it neither educationally beneficial nor the least restrictive environment. 669 00:42:04,200 --> 00:42:09,159 I am upholding the finding of the administrative hearing officer and order 670 00:42:09,160 --> 00:42:14,059 Ricky Berg be re -enrolled in the Logan Institute until a truly appropriate 671 00:42:14,060 --> 00:42:19,079 public school program can be found or designed for him. This hearing is 672 00:42:19,080 --> 00:42:22,620 adjourned. Thank you. No, my pleasure. 673 00:42:25,780 --> 00:42:26,830 Nicely done. 674 00:42:29,000 --> 00:42:32,980 Grace, Mrs. Berg, the school board will file an appeal, of course. 675 00:42:39,340 --> 00:42:41,450 Wish I could afford you for the next round. 676 00:42:43,080 --> 00:42:45,240 Well, you can. 677 00:42:48,360 --> 00:42:49,410 Sure. 678 00:42:50,880 --> 00:42:51,930 Thank you. 679 00:42:52,820 --> 00:42:54,300 Fifteen seconds to floor. 680 00:42:56,920 --> 00:42:57,970 Thank you. 681 00:42:58,200 --> 00:42:59,250 How do I look? 682 00:43:00,180 --> 00:43:02,360 Fabulous. Come a long way in five weeks. 683 00:43:02,680 --> 00:43:03,960 You think so? Definitely. 684 00:43:04,440 --> 00:43:08,240 You have mastered the art of video foreplay. And three. 685 00:43:09,690 --> 00:43:10,740 Two, one. 686 00:43:12,110 --> 00:43:14,410 We're back with legal eagle Arnold Becker. 687 00:43:14,411 --> 00:43:18,389 Arnie, what do you say we go back to the phones? We have time for one more call. 688 00:43:18,390 --> 00:43:21,820 Agnes from City of Industries on the line. She's got a problem at work. 689 00:43:22,090 --> 00:43:26,469 Hi, this is Arnie Becker. How can I help you? Mr. Becker, I have a problem at 690 00:43:26,470 --> 00:43:28,450 work. I feel like a slave. 691 00:43:29,010 --> 00:43:30,950 I'm sorry to say that's not unusual. 692 00:43:31,410 --> 00:43:33,910 My boss keeps giving me more and more work to do. 693 00:43:34,170 --> 00:43:38,270 Sometimes he threatens to fire me unless I stay late. That's really unfair. 694 00:43:38,590 --> 00:43:39,690 Well, I think so, too. 695 00:43:40,230 --> 00:43:41,670 Isn't that anything I can do? 696 00:43:41,930 --> 00:43:43,190 What do you think, Arnie? 697 00:43:43,990 --> 00:43:48,069 It doesn't sound like she has enough for harassment. Now, if he had 698 00:43:48,070 --> 00:43:52,430 propositioned her... Oh, oh, he's done that several times. 699 00:43:52,950 --> 00:43:57,730 Well, once he even seduced me right in his office. 700 00:43:58,250 --> 00:44:01,380 You're kidding. Arnie, I certainly hope she can sue this slime. 701 00:44:01,610 --> 00:44:05,040 Well, absolutely. In fact, you've got yourself one hell of a lawsuit. 702 00:44:05,540 --> 00:44:09,150 Agnes, at the very least, I'd say you're looking at the high six figures. 703 00:44:09,400 --> 00:44:12,880 Wow. Oh, that is assuming that he's got the money. 704 00:44:13,460 --> 00:44:15,740 What does the creep do for a living? 705 00:44:16,180 --> 00:44:18,820 Well, that's just it. You think he'd know better. 706 00:44:19,140 --> 00:44:20,240 Well, he's a lawyer. 707 00:44:21,960 --> 00:44:23,010 A lawyer? 708 00:44:23,440 --> 00:44:28,559 Right. Someone who should be able to sympathize with someone going to law 709 00:44:28,560 --> 00:44:29,610 school. 710 00:44:31,920 --> 00:44:32,970 Law school? 711 00:44:33,530 --> 00:44:35,490 That's what I said, Arnie. 712 00:44:39,670 --> 00:44:45,869 I think maybe you should try talking to him again. Forget talk. Sue the 713 00:44:45,870 --> 00:44:46,849 miserable pig. 714 00:44:46,850 --> 00:44:49,650 Can I include pain and suffering? 715 00:44:50,790 --> 00:44:55,569 Agnes, let's not be too hasty. People can change. Now, you sound like an 716 00:44:55,570 --> 00:44:57,370 exceptionally fair -minded person. 717 00:44:57,590 --> 00:45:01,849 Why not avoid litigation? Give him one last chance. Negotiate. Maybe you'll get 718 00:45:01,850 --> 00:45:03,110 everything that you want. 719 00:45:03,130 --> 00:45:04,790 Why do you really think so? 720 00:45:05,910 --> 00:45:07,830 I've got a very good feeling about this. 721 00:45:08,290 --> 00:45:09,340 Give it a shot. 722 00:45:09,490 --> 00:45:11,610 And if that doesn't work, then sue him. 723 00:45:13,190 --> 00:45:16,250 Well, thank you for the advice, Arnie. 724 00:45:16,890 --> 00:45:18,630 And thank you all for watching. 725 00:45:18,950 --> 00:45:20,150 That's the news for now. 726 00:45:20,200 --> 00:45:24,750 Repair and Synchronization by Easy Subtitles Synchronizer 1.0.0.0