The Measure of a Man

At a new starbase, Picard meets two figures: Captain Phillipa Louvois, a Starfleet legal officer from his past, and Commander Bruce Maddox, a cyberneticist who wants to download Data's memories and dismantle him to learn how to copy his positronic brain. Data doubts that Maddox can restore him intact, refuses, and resigns from Starfleet. Maddox argues that Data is Starfleet property with no right to refuse, and Louvois at first agrees. Picard demands a formal hearing. With no staff available, Louvois orders Riker to argue Maddox's case while Picard defends Data. Riker's case is painfully strong: he demonstrates how Data was built and then switches him off in front of the court. A conversation with Guinan helps Picard reframe the question, since a race of Datas built to order would be slaves. He challenges Maddox to prove that Picard himself is sentient. Louvois rules that Data has the right to choose, and Data comforts Riker.