The media harasses Judge Joe Rifkind and a higher judge for the shooting of a rookie police officer who was killed by a young criminal the judge set free. To make amends, Judge Rifkind pays a visit to the father of the rookie police officer who also happens to be one of his former police partners. Assistant DA Bobby Esposito's brother, Frank, is given another chance to stop using drugs, but when he doesn't show up for his flight to the rehabilitation centre, Bobby assumes he's been deceived by Frank again. Meanwhile, Bobby and Cynthia Bennington's relationship heats up despite the one secret Bobby can't bring himself to tell her.

A reluctant and still angry Rebecca is forced to live at home with Judge Rifkind and his wife, Sarah. Ramon suspects Fatima of using drugs, but his attempt at a drug intervention goes awry. J.J. goes undercover and visits a lawyer for a construction company suspected of having ties to the mob. Cynthia's father is concerned for her welfare, and Judge Rifkind convinces him to watch her in court to see for himself how much she loves what she does.