Harvard law professor Paul Armstrong is pulled back into the courtroom when an elderly woman asks him to investigate the case of her grandson, a young African-American man named Bobby Earl Ferguson, who is on death row for the brutal murder of a child. Armstrong, initially hesitant, is drawn to the case by the possibility of an injustice fueled by racial bias and misconduct. He travels to a small town in Florida, where he comes up against the local law enforcement, particularly a tough and seemingly unyielding sheriff, Tanny Brown.

As Armstrong delves deeper, he discovers evidence that suggests Bobby may have been coerced into confessing. This leads him to confrontations with various players involved in the trial, uncovering layers of deceit and manipulation. His relentless pursuit of the truth brings old scandals to light, and as he reexamines the case, Armstrong navigates through lies and corruption, gradually piecing together events that could exonerate Bobby. However, unforeseen threats emerge, testing Armstrong's resolve and putting his own life in jeopardy as he battles to reveal the truth.