Eddie comes to the assistance of Carolyn, a former flame, who stands accused of a mercy killing.
Eddie finds his mentor, a judge assigned to his case, has Alzheimer's disease, jeopardizing the life of Eddie's client (Keith Amos).
Eddie is hired to defend a white rookie cop who shot to death a black teen during riot and in the interim unearths a police cover-up.
The probe of Jake Spence's murder, a friend journalist, will lead Eddie into personal danger.
Eddie devises a plan so his fellow radicals (Allen Garfield, Carrie Snodgress), in hiding for 20 years, can come out, but the Government objects with a surprise murder charge.
Roger and Eddie have a disagreement when Roger's affair with the daughter of a senator accused of bribery jeopardizes Eddie's defense.