Arthur Kirkland is a principled defense attorney in Baltimore, struggling with the moral ambiguities of the legal system. He finds himself in a moral and ethical quandary when he's asked to defend a respected judge, Henry T. Fleming, who is accused of a heinous crime. Kirkland despises Fleming, who had previously wrongfully sentenced one of his innocent clients. Complicating matters further, Kirkland's mental strain intensifies as he battles personal issues, including a turbulent relationship with a colleague and the trauma surrounding his grandfather’s confinement in a nursing home.

As the case progresses, Kirkland is torn between adhering to his oath to provide the best possible defense and grappling with the potential consequences of defending somebody he believes to be guilty. His internal conflict reaches a peak as he discovers unsettling truths that challenge his faith in the justice system. Alongside this tense courtroom drama, the film explores themes of legal ethics, personal responsibility, and the often murky waters of justice, leading viewers to question what “justice for all” truly means.