Judge says "Law & Order" lawsuit can contintine
A judge has ruled that shady New York lawyer Ravi Batra can continue his defamation suit against the producers of the TV drama Law & Order:
Batra applauded the ruling, saying the long-running crime drama known for its ripped-from-the-headlines stories had "recklessly undermined public confidence in the rule of law and the noble judiciary." [AP]
Batra is a well-connected Brooklyn attorney with a reputation for sucking up to judges for fun and profit. He sees a disconcerting resemblance between his own career and that of a character in a recent episode of L&O:
In the episode, "Floater," an attorney named "Ravi Patel" bribes a judge. Like Batra, the character is Indian-American and sports a bald head and facial hair.
The episode aired around the same time former state Assemblyman Clarence Norman, Batra's former law firm associate was indicted on charges of pressuring judges to hire favored consultants. Norman was found guilty last year of grand larceny in a plot to shake down a judicial candidate and is serving a two-to-six-year prison term. [AP]
He's suing for $15 million.
So that's what the rule of law and the noble judiciary is worth, $15 million?
Seems like The Law and Nobility is a bit undervalued, don't you think?
Posted by: TB | March 20, 2008 at 12:47 PM
I just saw that one a few days ago.
He may have a case, but to make it he'll have to prove that the balding Indian lawyer who bribes judges was OBVIOUSLY supposed to be him. Seems rather Pyrrhic.
Posted by: The J Train | March 20, 2008 at 04:04 PM
If he wins will the proceeds go to improving the image of the law and judiciary or is his pocket?
Posted by: ol cranky | March 20, 2008 at 08:57 PM
This is great news for Fred Thompson!
Posted by: Noah | March 20, 2008 at 09:11 PM
This is disgusting.
How dare wealthy, well-connected Batra sue another wealthy, well-connected party for defamation? Doesn't he know that bullshit defamation suits are supposed to be used to shut up the poor and weak!? It totally screws up the whole censorship by intimidation racket if the other party can, you know, afford to deal with you.
For shame, Batra!!! FOR SHAME!
Posted by: aeroman | March 22, 2008 at 01:18 AM