Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Season 9

[Novak enters Judge Donnelly's chambers]

Novak:
You wanted to see me, Judge Donnelly?

Judge Donnelly:
Yes. The DA is declining to re-file charges against Thomas Crane.

Novak:
He raped and murdered Alisa Hernandez, and he gets to keep his badge?

Judge Donnelly:
Because of your actions, counselor.

Novak:
With all due respect, ma'am, this doesn't concern you.

Judge Donnelly:
It does now. [hands Novak a notice]

Novak:
I'm being called before the bar.

Judge Donnelly:
At my insistence.

Novak:
Why?

Judge Donnelly:
Because you lost perspective. And because I sit on the peer review board, and I cannot allow you to commit a Brady violation and lie to the court without consequence.

Novak:
The reports weren't finished, your honor! I sent them back!

Judge Donnelly:
You lied to Petrovsky, and now, you are lying to me. The lab reports were dated and stamped! We are civil servants, Casey! No one is falling on their sword for you. What I want to know is why.

Novak:
Because the bad guys can't always win. He deserved to pay.

Judge Donnelly:
And so do you.

Novak:
How much trouble am I in?

Judge Donnelly:
Censure. Possible suspension.

Novak:
For how long?

Judge Donnelly:
A year. Maybe more.

Novak:
What should I do?

Judge Donnelly:
Something else.