American Crime Story

Johnnie Cochran:
Truth, Ms. Clark. The truth. The court hides nothing from the people! Nothing!

[Chris loses his temper, slams his hand on the desk, leaps to his feet and rounds on Johnnie]

Christoper Darden:
The truth? You’ve presented a defence that is based completely on lies and deceptions! Just teasing the public, the media, by throwing them bits of the tapes. Inflaming the public’s passions, in an attempt to exert political pressure over His Honor… [Ito raises his hand] In an attempt to pressure the court into admitting in the Fuhrman tapes!

Judge Lance Ito:
Mr. Darden!

Christoper Darden:
[To Ito] This case is a circus! And the defence has made it into a circus! And the court has allowed them to walk all over…

Judge Lance Ito:
Mr. Darden, you are close to being held in contempt!

Christoper Darden:
Well, I should be held in contempt! [The defence team starts laughing at this, but are immediately startled into silence] There’s nothing funny here!

Judge Lance Ito:
Mr. Darden.

Johnnie Cochran:
[softly, with some concern in his voice] Chris, calm down.

Christoper Darden:
Don’t.

Judge Lance Ito:
Mr. Darden! MR. DARDEN! I am warning you. A good piece of advice – take three deep breaths, then contemplate what you are about to say next.

[There is a long silence, as everyone stares at him apprehensively]

Christopher Darden:
I would like counsel, Your Honor.

Judge Lance Ito:
[after a brief pause, during which everyone reacts with dismay] All right, Mr. Darden, you can have counsel. Do you wish to call your counsel at this time, Mr. Darden?

[Chris sits and locks eyes pleadingly with Marcia, who after a moment gets to her feet]

Marcia Clark:
I would like to be heard on behalf of Mr. Darden, Your Honor.

Judge Lance Ito:
Ms. Clark, do you represent Mr. Darden in this matter?

Marcia Clark:
I don’t know if I’m legally entitled to, but I would like to be heard. Mr. Darden is simply responding to the unfair events that have occurred in this courtroom today, and other days. The court has been exploited, by counsel for cross-purposes.

Judge Lance Ito:
Ms. Clark, I think perhaps you need to take ten deep breaths, for you also are about to be held in contempt.

Marcia Clark:
Shall I take off my watch and jewellery?

[Everyone looks shocked by this remark. Chris tenderly takes her hand, and guides her down. After they exchange a long glance, Chris gets to his feet again]

Christopher Darden:
Your Honor? Perhaps some of my comments may have been, um, uh, somewhat inappropriate. I apologise the to the court. I meant no disrespect.

Judge Lance Ito:
All right, Mr. Darden. I accept your apology. I apologise to you for my reaction as well. You and I have known each other for a number of years, and I know that your response was out of character, so thank you.

Christopher Darden:
Thank you, Your Honor.