January 18, 2006 Transcript
"I Just Hope We're not Making a Terrible Mistake"

Alexis: It's my job to defend Manny Ruiz, and the prosecution has a job, too. If they're not doing it, that's not my responsibility.

Sam: Come on, Alexis, you can't tell me that Manny is innocent.

Alexis: I can tell you that from a legal standpoint, he's not guilty. There is precedent for an acquittal. Where's Jason, by the way?

Sam: Whoa, what do you mean, "where's Jason?"

Alexis: He's subpoenaed. He needs to be here whether he likes it or not.

Sam: Ok, well, he'll be here.

Ric: Look, if Jason is called to testify and he's not here, he can be arrested.

Sam: What, Ric, is this your idea of justice -- arrest the innocent, free the guilty?

Ric: Try to keep an open mind, Sam, ok? You may find that the expert witnesses can prove that Manny has changed.

John: Well, well, well, well. If it isn't the poster child for bleeding-heart liberals.

Alexis: If that's how you categorize upholding the law, then I wear the title proudly.

John: You know, all your sermonizing about mens rea and requisite intent will not change the horror of your client's crimimes. Alexis, cut a deal for him right now, because in about 30 seconds this judge is going to walk in the room, the train's going to leave the station, and you and your career are going to go down in flames.

Ric: Are you running for mayor, John?

Alexis: Not after I finish trying this case.

Sam: This isn't a contest. If you don't win, Alexis does, a madman goes free.

Bailiff: Court will come to order, the Honorable Judge Dennis Bryant presiding. All rise.

Lorenzo: Everyone who reads the newspaper has heard of the Ruiz family.

Alexis: What were your personal dealings with my client's family?

Lorenzo: We had a minor association, which I elected to terminate.

Alexis: Why was that?

Lorenzo: Negotiations fell apart. They had their own agenda and I suspected it wouldn't serve me well.

Alexis: So it wasn't because you believed that Manny Ruiz was a violent, angry, and out-of-control man?

Lorenzo: I was dealing with someone else in the family.

Alexis: Are you saying that the mob war that broke out between the Ruiz family and the corinthos organization had nothing to do with you?

Lorenzo: The bad blood was started when Jason Morgan shot Manny Ruiz.

Alexis: Ric!

[Gunshot]

Alexis: Did you witness the shooting?

Lorenzo: It was common knowledge. Morgan is the enforcer for the corinthos organization. When he shot Manny, he provoked an all-out war. I stayed out of it.

John: You and Jason Morgan have a contentious relationship, isn't that true?

Lorenzo: I don't know Jason Morgan very well, but everyone knows his reputation.

John: Oh, and what is his reputation?

Lorenzo: He's a killer. Perhaps the Ruiz family acted out of self-defense.

Judge: You may step down, Mr. Alcazar.

Alexis: Was the surgery risky?

Patrick: Anytime you cut into someone's brain, it's risky. In less capable hands, it might have killed him.

Alexis: Did you expect Mr. Ruiz's post-op behavior to change so dramatically?

John: Objection. A behavior change hasn't been established.

Alexis: The purpose of this expert witness is to establish just that fact.

Judge: Then let him establish it, counselor.

Alexis: Thank you. Was the behavior of my client radically altered as a result of the surgery you performed?

Patrick: I wouldn't know. I never knew him before the surgery.

Alexis: How would you describe his behavior, his personality since the operation?

Patrick: He's alive. He's functional. That's all I'm qualified to comment on.

Ric: Dr. Drake, how many times have you performed this procedure?

Patrick: I'd say 10 times.

Ric: And with any of those patients, did you notice a personality shift?

Patrick: Couldn't say.

Ric: Ok, doctor, in your expert opinion, could you say if such a personality shift is possible?

Patrick: It's possible.

Ric: Thank you. No further questions.

Alexis: Your honor, the defense calls robin scorpio. Are you acquainted with Jason Morgan?

Robin: Yes, I am.

Alexis: How well do you know Jason Morgan?

Robin: I used to be in love with him.

Robin: I had limited contact with Manny Ruiz before the surgery, so I was able to witness a profound change in his behavior.

Alexis: Could you elaborate on that change?

Robin: Manny Ruiz is no longer hostile or threatening. In my opinion, since the A.V. Malformation has been corrected, Manny Ruiz is no longer a threat to society.

Alexis: Have you ever witnessed a similar case where a patient manifested a profound change as a result of a brain trauma?

Robin: Yes, in Jason Quartermaine, which is -- he's now known as Jason Morgan. Jason was an honor student, kind, gentle, loving. The first symptoms were an inability to connect on an emotional level. Jason was angry, defiant, rebellious. He wasn't at all like the Jason everyone had known. I mean, he was easy to anger, became a danger junkie. He was just a very different person.

Alexis: The defense calls Jason Morgan.

Judge: Miss Davis, where is your witness?

Alexis: Your honor, Mr. Morgan has been subpoenaed and we're requesting the court to issue a warrant for his arrest.

Carly: That's insane.

Sam: You can't do this!

[Judge pounds gavel]

Judge: Order. Order.

Sam: Shouldn't Jason be able to be here himself so he can defend himself?

Judge: Order, order. Everyone calm down. Take your seats or I'll clear the court. Who are you?

Sam: Your honor, my name is Miss Samantha McCall. I'm -- I'm Jason Morgan's fiancee.

Judge: Ms. McCall, where's your fiance?

Sam: Jason was under the impression that jury selection was in progress and court wouldn't start until monday.

Alexis: The subpoena clearly indicated today's date.

Sam: Ms. Davis intentionally pushed for the trial to be moved up for the very purpose of Jason getting in trouble with the court.

Alexis: Jason Morgan is a witness for the defense. Why would I want him in jail?

Carly: Gee, I can answer that question for you.

Judge: I've heard enough. Now, there's margin for error. You have until 6:00 to produce Mr. Morgan. If he is not here, a warrant will be issued for his arrest. Now, court is recessed.

[Judge pounds gavel]

Judge: We'll continue in an hour with your witnesses.

Sam: Sonny sent him out of town.

Carly: All right, well, I'll find Sonny and make him bring him back.

Carly: Well, what if it's too late? I don't even know where he went.

Carly: Sam, I will take care of this.

Alexis: This isn't something for you to worry abobout, Manny.

Ric: This technicality could prove to be beneficial for us.

Patrick: You stuck your neck out for a patient.

Robin: Is this where you tell me how wrong I am?

Patrick: You have the courage of your convictions, and some people might find that worthwhile.

Robin: But not you?

Patrick: You never know.

Ric: Jason made a critical error not showing up.

Alexis: It was a nice cross on Patrick.

Ric: Thank you.

Alexis: I think we make a very nice team.

Ric: Well, could say the same for you. I just hope we're not making a terrible mistake.

Officer: We'll come and get you when we're ready.

Manny: I'm not going anywhere.

Sam: You know, Alexis is wrong. You're not going free, ever. Hmm. Yeah. And I'll see to it personally.