Dragnet 1967 (TV Series)

Juvenile Division: DR-19 (1969)

Vinton Hayworth: Judge Crosson

Quotes 

• Judge Crosson : [Judge Crosson speaks to Joe in the hallway about their respective roles in the legal process after rendering a hands-tied-behind-his-back decision in a heartbreaking child abuse case]  I noticed you sitting in the back of the room.

  Sergeant Joe Friday : Yes, sir.

  Judge Crosson : Whenever I see an investigator in my courtroom when he hasn't been called, I know it can only mean two things: his captain didn't send him and he's involved.

  Sergeant Joe Friday : Yes, sir, I guess I am on this one.

  Judge Crosson : Probation officer's sociological report, boy's father out of the country, boy needs a mother; the only way it can go. I had to return him to her.

  Sergeant Joe Friday : Yes, sir, I know that.

  Judge Crosson : How many abuse cases do you handle personally? Two or three dozen a year?

  [Joe nods in agreement. The judge continues in a soft indoor voice] 

  Judge Crosson : I hear three times that many in a matter of months. You enforce the law, I try to administer it. Many times it's not easy, is it?

  Sergeant Joe Friday : No, your honor, it isn't.

  Judge Crosson : Small consolation, Joe, but you did your job, and I like to think I did mine the best we know how. Properly, under the law, for the people, and... that's who we work for.

  Sergeant Joe Friday : Yes, sir.