Letter of the Law (Series Finale)

<p>Originally Aired: June 18, 1961</p>

<p><strong>Gunsmoke #480, "Letter of the Law,"</strong> Marshal Matt Dillon faces a moral dilemma when Judge Rambo sends him a court order to evict Brandon Teak from his homestead near Wagon Mound. Teak failed to properly register his land deed, and now land speculator Lee Sprague has filed a claim on the property. The situation is complicated by the fact that Teak, once known as a dangerous gunman around Abilene, has reformed since marrying his wife Sarah, who is expecting a child any day. Teak has hung up his gun and proven up the land, building a good life for his family. Despite Sarah's pleas for her husband to keep his promise to avoid violence, the marshal must enforce the letter of the law.</p>

<p>When Dillon confronts Judge Rambo in Wichita about the timing and fairness of the eviction, the judge shows no sympathy for Teak's circumstances, insisting that sentiment has no place in the law. Dillon refuses to carry out the eviction, believing Teak deserves the land he's worked so hard to improve. The conflict escalates when the judge sends Deputy Sheriff Jim Haley from Wichita to enforce the order by any means necessary.</p>