A burglar is killed In a trap by a scrappy old man, played by guest star Jack Gilford, who insists he is innocent of wrongdoing and demands his day in court. Angered by feisty Joe Ackerman's refusal to let Kate McShane plea bargain for him, prosecutor Harry Morrison vindictively seeks a sanity hearing and serves notice on Kate that he will spare no legal weapon at Joe's trial for manslaughter.

A pill-popping pro football star is charged with murder, but when Kate tries to defend him the powerful team management moves to get her off the case. Veteran player J.D. talks his accused buddy, Vinnie, into firing Kate, who realizes the ruthless team owner, Cervan, fears the story would come out in court.