Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (TV Series)

Birthright (2004)

Viola Davis: Donna Emmett

Quotes 

• Michelle Osborne : You can't kidnap your own daughter.

  ADA Casey Novak : The law says she isn't yours.

  Michelle Osborne : Well, the law is wrong.

  Donna Emmett : Well, we should just forget about the law and focus on what's right.

  ADA Casey Novak : What's right is for your client to accept that she has no claim to Patty.

• Donna Emmett : [during her opening statement in court]  The moment that Michelle Osborne laid eyes on Patty Branson at a playground in Riverside Park, she felt drawn to her. A powerful, uncontrollable, biological attachment to her. She knew Patty was her child and DNA proved she was right. That maternal instinct brought out the truth, that Michelle and Patty's birth parents are all victims of an unscrupulous fertility doctor who stole an embryo from Michelle and implanted it in Sarah Branson without anyone's consent. Now, to find Michelle Osborne guilty of kidnapping, the People must prove that she had intent to commit a crime. So as you hear evidence, you must consider, did Michelle Osborne intend to break the law? Or was she driven by a more powerful law? The law of nature. The love of a mother for her child.

• ADA Casey Novak : [to Patty]  Do you think Michelle is nice?

  Patty Branson : She's okay.

  ADA Casey Novak : You know what Michelle said about being your egg mommy is true, right?

  [Patty doesn't answer her] 

  ADA Casey Novak : Your Honor?

  Judge Walter Bradley : Could you please answer the question, Patty?

  Patty Branson : [in tears]  No! It's not true!

  ADA Casey Novak : Yes, it is, Patty.

  Patty Branson : Michelle's not my mommy!

  ADA Casey Novak : You came from her egg. That is true.

  Patty Branson : I want to go now.

  ADA Casey Novak : No. You can't until we're finished.

  Patty Branson : I don't want to go with Michelle!

  Donna Emmett : Your Honor, she's just a little girl.

  Judge Walter Bradley : [to Novak]  Is this line of questioning necessary?

  ADA Casey Novak : Patty, do you understand?

  Patty Branson : I don't want to go with Michelle!

  ADA Casey Novak : You don't have to, Patty. Not yet.

  Patty Branson : I want my mommy and daddy!

  ADA Casey Novak : No, you have to stay here.

  Patty Branson : Please! Don't take me away! Please!

  Michelle Osborne : [stands up]  Stop it! Just stop it.

  Judge Walter Bradley : Sit down now, Mrs. Osborne.

  Michelle Osborne : Patty, I'm sorry. I won't ever bother you again.

  Patty Branson : [as she runs off the witness stand to her parents]  Mommy! Mommy!

  Michelle Osborne : I've changed my mind. I just want this to stop. I'll plead guilty, if that's what it takes.