- "This office won't stand for any harassment!"
- —William Rothko to Harry Callahan[src]
William T. Rothko is the district attorney of San Francisco, and an opponent of Harry Callahan.
Biography[]
Rothko called Harry Callahan following the arrest of Charles Davis, saying it was urgent. When Callahan arrived to his office, Rothko was reviewing the inspector's arrest report with disapproval. He informed the inspector that the killer would not be charged because his civil rights were violated, much to the inspector's frustration. Rothko stated that Davis' rifle was inadmissible as evidence and got a second opinion from Judge Bannerman of the appellate court. Bannerman agreed the search of the suspect's quarters was illegal.
When Callahan stated his intention to keep an eye on Davis, Rothko reminded the inspector of their stance against harassment.
Personality[]
- "You're lucky I'm not indicting you for assault with intent to commit murder!"
- —William Rothko to Harry Callahan[src]
Rothko has no patience for Inspector Harry Callahan's methods, e.g. kicking down doors, torturing suspects, and denying medical attention and legal counsel. He refused to take the Scorpio Killer to trial because he did not want to use $500,000 in tax dollars in what he believed would be futile on the grounds there was no workable evidence.
Abilities[]
- "Where the hell does it say you've got a right to kick down doors, torture suspects? Deny medical attention and legal counsel? Where have you been? Does Escobedo ring a bell? Miranda? I mean, you must have heard of the 4th Amendment! What I'm saying is, that man had rights."
- —William Rothko to Harry Callahan[src]
- Expert Lawyer: Rothko is the district attorney, and as such he is very familiar with the law and civil rights.