In post-war Germany, a military tribunal prepares to try a group of Nazi judges accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity. The story follows Judge Dan Haywood, a principled man from the United States who becomes embroiled in this monumental case. As he delves into the hearings, Haywood confronts the harsh reality of a legal system that was used as a tool of oppression by the Nazi regime.
As the sessions progress, the dark details of how these judges supported inhumane policies come to light, including forced sterilization and the mass extermination of Jews and other marginalized groups. The scenes become intense as survivor and defendant testimonies are heard, casting doubt on concepts such as justice, accountability, and morality in the face of obedience to the law.
Through his interactions with colleagues and witnesses, Haywood grapples with his own sense of what is right. He faces pressure from his superiors and the shadow of the past while trying to strike a balance between democratic ideals and the reality of the horror that unfolded. In the end, the film is not just a trial of the guilty, but also a profound reflection on the moral duty of humanity and the consequences of remaining silent in the face of injustice. The decisions Haywood makes will leave an indelible mark on his conscience and on history itself.