Raising the Bar

The lives and cases of young lawyers who work on opposite sides - the public defender's office and the district attorney's office - as well as those who sit in judgment on their cases.

Drama

Seasons

1. Public Defender

Air Date: 2008-09-01

Public defender, Jerry Kellerman, defends a man that he is certain is innocent. Jerry struggles on the case while in front of a judge that despises him. Meanwhile in the DA's office, Michelle tries to right a wrong in a rape trial while the office doesn't want to be embarrassed by a wrong conviction.

2. Guatemala Gulfstream

Air Date: 2008-09-08

Jerry defends a man accused of murder but the only eyewitness is in Guatemala. Michele has the chance of trying her first murder trial and tries to remember to be a good lawyer in the process. Meanwhile, Richard defends a man accused of assault and Charlie runs into a former lover in the courtroom.

3. I Will, I'm Will

Air Date: 2008-09-15

Jerry defends a mentally ill client and runs into problems with Judge Kessler. Richard defends a woman who caused problems due to a welfare check and may not be able to take care of her grandmother if she is convicted.

4. Richie Richer

Air Date: 2008-09-22

Richard's wealthy father offers Roz a job. Jerry defends a mother whose arrest may have something to do with her testifying in a murder trial. Judge Kessler continues her quest as a political candidate.

5. Bagels and Locks

Air Date: 2008-09-29

Jerry takes on an emotional case of the murder of a young boy. As the press coverage intensifies, Balco takes over as lead prosecutor. Bobbi defends a family man charged with possession of heroin. Jerry finally meets Bobbi's husband and they continue to flirt.

6. Hang Time

Air Date: 2008-10-06

Jerry defends a man who followed a hit and run driver and then stole from him. Bobbi's latest case involves a domestic -violence dispute which has the wife refusing to press charges.

7. A Leg to Stand On

Air Date: 2008-10-13

Jerry defends a client who he is sure is innocent. Jerry gets a sign that he should go with a bench trial, but it seems there are some politics going on in the background. Richard receives extra attention from his law student. Judge Kessler is called in for a favor.

8. Out on the Roof

Air Date: 2008-10-20

One of Charlie's friends is arrested and Charlie arranges to have Jerry handle the case, but then is put in front of Charlie's boss, Judge Kessler. Michelle calls Jerry in to intercede on one of Bobbi's cases.

9. Roman Holiday

Air Date: 2008-10-27

Jerry defends an HIV-positive man charged with attempted murder due to the fact that he spit in a police officer's face. Jerry must go up against Mitch Baker, an arrogant assistant DA. Bobbi and Richard defend a 14-year-old who was possibly involved in a murder. Judge Kessler plans a trip to Italy and invites Charlie along.

10. Shop Till You Drop

Air Date: 2008-11-03

The appeals court overturns the conviction of a black firefighter accused of stealing property from a body found during a fire. The court finds that Judge Kessler was wrong to disallow testimony. Roz and Balco have to go and retry the case and they find racism to play a major part. Jerry finds some information out about Bobbi's husband but doesn't know if he should share it. Charlie deals with conflict between him and Judge Kessler.

1. Hair Apparent

Air Date: 2009-06-08

In the dramatic season premiere, Jerry defends a barber charged with allowing his nephew to sell crack out of his barbershop, a crime for which the barber is now being tried. Marcus, under orders from Balco to “take the hard line” in prosecuting cases, refuses to give any leeway. Roz decides to start handling cases again, but her first one hits a snag that could ruin a woman’s life and the life of her son. Bobbi’s divorce proceedings get underway, but it’s not too long before she gets thrown a curveball. And Jerry gets ribbed about his hair during a party celebrating his 33rd birthday.

2. Rules of Engagement

Air Date: 2009-06-15

Jerry and Michelle go before a new judge; Michelle becomes smitten with a cop who may be perjuring himself.

3. The Curious Case Of Kellerman's Button

Air Date: 2009-06-22

Jerry gets into a conflict with Judge Farnsworth. Jerry schemes to make Farnsworth a victim of his own rules.

4. No Child's Left Behind

Air Date: 2009-06-29

Jerry defends a father against Balco's aggressive prosecution. Bobbi considers finding another job with better pay.

5. Is There a Doctor in the House?

Air Date: 2009-07-06

Jerry defends a woman picked up for drug possession. Michelle's new boyfriend gives Jerry the runaround.

6. I'll Be Down to Get You a Taxi, Honey

Air Date: 2009-07-13

Jerry relies on the sympathy of the jury instead of the facts when he holds court for a man charged with running over a corrupt lawyer. Elsewhere, Richard makes a judicial fumble when he rushes through his cases. Also, Bobbi's divorce proceedings advance.

7. Fine and Dandy

Air Date: 2009-07-20

Jerry and Richard both fight for their clients who have received unjust punishments. Judge Kessler will be working Richard's case, while also looking forward to going on a first blind date. Meanwhile, Bobbi has trouble adjusting to a life-shattering situation concerning her ex-husband.

8. Trust Me

Air Date: 2009-07-27

Bobbi is put to the test while working on a case for a confidential informant who fears his powerful codefendant could have him killed. Jerry tries to assist Bobbi in the case, but his meddling backfires. Elsewhere, Richard uses his family name as leverage in a case.

9. Trout Fishing

Air Date: 2009-08-03

Kessler and Farnsworth clash over a case in which a mother is set to go to prison. Elsewhere, Balco hands a case to Michelle, but she'll only have 48 hours to prepare before it goes to trial.

10. Making Up Is Hard to Do

Air Date: 2009-08-10

Bobbi defends a woman accused of smuggling cocaine; Michelle must rely on the testimony of her cop boyfriend.

11. Bobbi Ba-Bing

Air Date: 2009-08-17

Jerry defends an inmate charged with stabbing another inmate; Richard works with Ashley, a new public defender, on a case involving a homeless man arrested for panhandling.

12. Beating a Dead Horse

Air Date: 2009-08-24

Jerry takes over Bobbi's case involving a pregnant woman addicted to heroin; Michelle is determined to put the woman away to stop her from shooting up with a baby in her womb; Roz defends a carriage driver.

13. Maybe, Baby

Air Date: 2009-12-24

Jerry questions his client's deal to testify against a rapist and a series of events leave Roz with a baby.

14. O! Say Can You Pee

Air Date: 2009-12-24

Richard defends a law student accused of pouring beer on a cop at a sporting event. Marcus takes legal action against a father who stole food to feed his family, however, a videotape surfaces to tell another story. Bobbie and Jerry face an important personal decision.

15. Happy Ending

Air Date: 2009-12-24

In the series finale, Jerry defends a male massage therapist against charges of inappropriately touching a female client. Kessler's boyfriend asks for a favor, Bobbi and Jerry look for a place together, and Roz must deal with the father of the baby she is caring for.

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