Law & Order1990

Jack McCoy:
Your Honor can't seriously entertain the notion that a defendant can benefit in one murder by killing the witness by committing another.

Judge Donald Karan:
I didn't draft the Constitution, Mr. McCoy.

Jack McCoy:
No, but you can interpret it. These two cases are inextricably linked. What's the good of proving that the defendant had an opportunity to kill Buck if I can't show the jury why?

Judge Donald Karan:
You raise a good point.

Mr. Axtell:
Your Honor, any mention of the Colbin murder would prejudice the jury irreparably.

Judge Donald Karan:
Which is why I won't allow these two homicides to be tried together.

Jack McCoy:
Your Honor...

Judge Donald Karan:
However, what I will do is allow the People to present evidence of Alan Colbin's murder, only insofar as it pertains to motive in the murder of Ronald Buck.

[seeing McCoy and Axtell both don't like his decision]

Judge Donald Karan:
Ooh, I always know I'm right when neither party's happy.