JUSTICE - “Christmas Party ”
Original Airdate: December 22, 2006

A cab driver, Vijay Patel, was shot in the head with his own gun in his cab. The defendant, Steven Gerrard, was seen getting into Patel’s cab after leaving a club late one night. Leaving court one day, Tom noticed Gerrard, a college student, begging the judge to not send him back to jail. Tom asked Gerrard about his case, and noticing the bruises Gerrard is receiving in jail, plus the fact that the prosecution’s evidence is thin, volunteered to take Gerrard’s case. But since he asked for a December 22nd trial date, the judge only gives Tom one day to close the case. He’s not keeping a jury sequestered over the holidays.

Tom’s first move is to scoff at the DA’s evidence, then ask for a motion of acquittal. The judge calls the lawyers to the bench and informs the DA that Tom is right. She has nothing. But she claims an eyewitness has come forward that morning. Now Tom has to immediately prepare a cross examination for a witness he knows nothing about.

The witness takes the stand and fingers Gerrard as Patel’s killer. Meanwhile, word of Tom’s predicament has made its way to TNT&G, and Luther rallies the troops to begin research on Tom’s behalf. Tom’s assistant dons a microphone brooch so they can hear the trial back at the firm, as well as an earpiece so they can communicate with Tom.

Tom begins his cross of the witness. His plan is to stall long enough to give Luther time to find something. Luther finds that the street lights around the crime scene were out, so it would be nearly impossible for the witness to see anything. A paralegal heads to the scene and uploads a photo for Tom to use in court. Tom shows the witness the photo, the mentions that there was no light that evening. He claims the dome light in the cab was on.

Luther instructs Tom to ask the witness what his NATUS number is. The DA angrily objects and the judge immediately clears the courtroom. Tom explains to Gerrard that if the witness has a NATUS number, that means he’s a federal snitch. The lawyers argue in front of the judge about the witness, Tom arguing that this trial is simply practice for the witness’ major trial later. Also, with the witness testifying he was never arrested, he perjured himself. The judge threatens to hold Tom in contempt and the DA threatens to prosecute him if he exposes the witness’ federal deal.

The witness is called back to the stand and Tom begins asking him if he’s a witness. The DA stands up and motions to drop the charges against Gerrard.

FLASHBACK TO THE DEATH OF VIJAY PATEL: The witness did in fact see Patel and Gerrard struggle. Patel pulled his gun on Gerrard, who escaped from the cab after a struggle. When Patel dropped his gun on the passenger seat, it fired. The bullet ricocheted off the door and blasted through Patel’s temple.