Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy Serves as Motivating Mentor on Judge Hatchett

Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy from Long Island, NY, who overcame a horrific gun-related tragedy to become one of the country's most influential advocates against gun violence, makes a guest appearance on the syndicated courtroom television series from Sony Pictures Television, JUDGE HATCHETT on Tuesday, November 30, 2004 (check local listings for station and time).

Delinda Lewis is concerned for her 14-year-old son, Reginald, who she has caught with marijuana and who was arrested for home invasion and destruction of property. Delinda is also concerned with her son's fascination in carrying guns. Reginald admits to selling marijuana since he was 13, in the hopes of saving up for another firearm. Deeply disturbed by Reginald's fascination with the criminal lifestyle and love of guns, Judge Hatchett arranges for Reginald to meet Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy, a former nurse whose husband was killed and son injured when a gunman randomly shot into a rush hour commuter train.

Reginald is told about Congresswoman McCarthy's own experiences, specifically the loss of her husband and her efforts in lobbying for more stringent gun control laws. In spending time with Reginald, she talks to him about her inability to ride on commuter trains because of the memories that come rushing back to her, and tells Reginald that ultimately she is trying to help young people like him, so he can have a better life. Congresswoman McCarthy asks Reginald to write a letter to President George Bush asking him to make sure assault weapons don't go back out on our streets again. Reginald gladly fulfills McCarthy's request, and upon return into Judge Hatchett's courtroom is sentenced to a long-term mentoring program to help surround him with more positive role models.

About Judge Hatchett:

Judge Glenda Hatchett served as a judge for nine years in Georgia's juvenile court system. During her tenure on the bench, Judge Hatchett pioneered an effective method for communicating with truants through intervention, thus modernizing the state's juvenile court sentencing procedures. Today, by incorporating this program into her self-titled series, in which litigants "do time" with community leaders and others who have found success in the professional work force, the arts, social activism, public service and athletics, she sentences litigants to positive, life-altering experiences, which also impact the lives of her viewers.

Sony Pictures Television is one of the television industry's leading content providers. SPT produces and distributes top-rated, award-winning programming in every genre, including series, movies and family entertainment for network and cable television; first-run syndicated series; off-network syndicated programs; and theatrical releases. SPT (www.sonypicturestelevision.com) is a Sony Pictures Entertainment company.

SOURCE: Sony Pictures Television

CONTACT: Karen Barragan of Sony Pictures Television, +1-310-244-6467,
Karen_Barragan@spe.sony.com

Web site: http://www.sonypicturestelevision.com/