When Mike Brennan, a tough New York cop with a temper, ruthlessly takes down a small-time gangster, the prosecutor assigns young lawyer Al Francis to conduct a formal inquest to answer to the law and file the case. No one doubts that Mike, for whom hatred of thieves and murderers has become an obsession, did the right thing, but the testimony of drug dealer Dex says otherwise. Faced with a difficult choice, Al decides to conduct a fair investigation. He knows that he risks not only honor, but also his life, because in the harsh world of tough cops and ruthless gangsters betrayal is not forgiven....