A black man is murdered in a jail cell by a confirmed racist - a crime the prison service blames on overcrowding. However, the judge's probing reveals the institution wasn't operating at full capacity. A drink-driving appeal puts the bench at loggerheads, and Jo distances herself from her former lover.
Charlie is appointed to defend an animal rights activist accused of murdering an eminent scientist - a case that will be heard before her father. The defence barrister's support for her client's cause leads her to make a series of unprofessional outbursts in court, while Jo's relationship with Marc Thompson creates tensions.
The judge must decide the fate of a sick baby which has been refused further resuscitation by doctors. The infant's deeply religious parents disagree, and take the fight for their son's life to court. Meanwhile, a boy convicted of theft dies in custody - bringing Deed's own traumatic memories of childhood to the fore.
A couple attempt to sue their council after developing medical conditions they claim were caused by a local mobile phone mast used to transmit internal police communications. Meanwhile, Deed is approached by the wife of a former Iraqi minister who says her family were poisoned and killed by depleted uranium used in the British Army's shells.
The judge is called up for jury service at the trial of a nanny who is accused of shaking a baby to death, and tries to gain further knowledge of the alleged crime with the help of Jo Mills. However, during deliberations, it becomes apparent that other members of the panel are less concerned about reaching a verdict and more interested in their own personal lives.
A mother is sued by her ex-husband for refusing to give her baby the MMR vaccine. Jo Mills is asked to represent her, but is then accused by Marc of spending too much time at work when she forgets to turn up to her wedding rehearsal. Deed intervenes personally in the case, but has other things on his mind.