Episode 121, scene 7.
Dialog between Leslie Harrington and Judge Webber
Leslie Harrington is waiting outside as Judge Charles E. Webber,
and D. A. John Fowler leave the Peyton County courthouse.
LH: Judge Webber. I've been hoping to have a minute with you.
The three men start walking east the sidewalk toward the Colonial
Post Inn.
JW: I'm in rather of a hurry.
LH: I see, but this won't take any time at all. I was puzzled about
your not allowing bail for Rodney. Isn't that a little unusual in
a case like this?
JW: I don't know Harrington. Simply a matter of precident.
LH: Yes, I know. That's what you said at the hearing. And I'm sure
that's very important in a big city where people are total strangers.
JW: Well, that isn't really the question.
LH: Judge Webber, you've watched my sons grow up.
JW: If I had any personal feelings about Rodney, I'd have disqualified
myself before the arraignment.
LH: Why, of course. But you do know the boy won't run away. He
doesn't have a criminal record. On this issue, isn't it possible
to create a precident?
JW: Precident hasn't anything to do with the past conduct of the accused.
It has to do with the outcome of cases like the one in question.
LH: I can't see how that can be germane to Rodney.
JF: [Intruding] It's germane to all of us, Mr. Harrington. Our
entire legal structure is based on it. Surely a few months in
Europe hasn't made you forget that.
LH: I was only asking Judge Webber to clarify the decision to dis-allow
bail for Rodney.
JF: There's nothing personal, Mr. Harrington, its simply a matter of
due process.
LH: I'm sure it is. But it seems a little harsh.
JF: It doesn't seem harsh when it happens to the other fellow. Only
when it happens to someone we care about.
JW: If you'll excuse me.
LH: Judge Webber. Is it possible for me to take your decision to the
court of criminal appeals?
JW: That's your privilege. Ted Dowell can advise you on the proper
proceedure.
LH: Well, thank you for your time. I hope I haven't detained you.
JF: Good day, Fowler.
Leslie Harrington leaves.
JF: Is it possible for me to take your decision to the criminal court
of appeals. He ripped that off like a regular Clarence Darrow.
JW: Well, his concern is quite understandable.
JF: Yes, indeed. We're not talking about a traffic ticket, are we? I
mean, murder is an unpalitable fact. This time he won't be able to
turn his back on it. [Fowler is referring to the Elizabeth Hanley
Carson murder case where Leslie Harrington kept quiet and let
Elliot Carson go to prison for 18 years.]
Leslie Harrington walks over to the square and sits by the
Pillory. The last part of this scene is repeated in the beginning
of the next episode.
Judge Charles E. Webber-Gene O'Donnell
Germane-truly relevant.
Episode 121, scene 7 HOME