 A black man (Glenn Plummer) is sentenced to death for the brutal death of three people. However, weeks before his execution, new evidence indicating his possible innocence arises. William H. Macy stars as the defense attorney who must quickly determine his innocence and find the information to free his client. Meanwhile the original prosecuting attorney (Monica Potter) is concerned about her future if she bungled the case. The investigating officer (Tom Selleck), who is her lover, is totally convinced that they got the right man and is more than willing to destroy any evidence that indicates otherwise. Not so easily cast off is the confession of a dying man (James Rebhorn), who claims he actually did the crime and framed the other man. Felicity Huffman also co-stars as the original judge on the case, who is now retired from the bench.