The Accused (1988)

Carmen Argenziano: D.A. Paul Rudolph

Photos 

Quotes 

• Kathryn Murphy : Listen again..."A person is guilty of criminal solicitation if he commands, induces, entreats or otherwise persuades another person to commit a felony-"

  D.A. Paul Rudolph : You can read it to me until you're blue in the face, I am not gonna let you prosecute a bunch of spectators -

  Kathryn Murphy : [cutting him off]  They're not spectators. They solicited the rape.

  D.A. Paul Rudolph : Do you really want to ask a jury to lock up a bunch of people for clapping and cheering?

  Kathryn Murphy : Clapping? Cheering? Pushing? Goading? Getting the rape going and keeping it going!

  D.A. Paul Rudolph : And what happens if you lose? You'll look like an incompetent. If you win, you'll look like a vengeful bitch. Either way, you'll hurt yourself and this office. Now, drop it. You've got more important things to do.

  Kathryn Murphy : No I haven't.

  D.A. Paul Rudolph : You haven't got more important things to do than go to trial with a sure loser? What the hell's gotten into you?

  Kathryn Murphy : We owe her.

  D.A. Paul Rudolph : Owe her what? We put the rapists away.

  Kathryn Murphy : *I* owe her.

  D.A. Paul Rudolph : I see. You wanna spend my money to put a bunch of spectators on trial - a trial that you'll lose - because you owe her? No! You don't get to use this office to pay your debts!

  Kathryn Murphy : I am going to try this case and you are not going to stop me.

  D.A. Paul Rudolph : Kathryn, you're an ace. You've got a great future. Don't put it in jeopardy.

  Kathryn Murphy : What are you going to do, fire me? Go right ahead. My first case will be a civil suit against the rapists, the solicitors, the Bar and the State. I will show that Sarah Tobias ended up in a hospital bed because this office sold her out. I will personally subpoena your records, put you on the witness stand and cross-examine you about every single sleazy plea-bargain this office has ever made.

  [turning to exit] 

  D.A. Paul Rudolph : [shouting]  Go ahead! Try your case! Have a good time! Because win or lose, you're through!

  [turns to notice others in the office staring at him] 

  D.A. Paul Rudolph : What are you lookin' at? Get back to work!