A Case of Deadly Force

The events begin in the late 1970s, with a pivotal trial taking place in 1980 and culminating in a landmark verdict by 1984. The period features ongoing debates over police practices and civil rights. It also reflects how media coverage and bureaucratic resistance shape the pursuit of justice during that era.

Boston, Massachusetts provides the urban backdrop where a controversial police shooting unfolds and a wrongful-death case is born. The story centers on the city’s Police Department and a high-stakes courtroom battle that follows. The late-1970s to early-1980s setting highlights civic tension, media scrutiny, and calls for police accountability in a major American city.

⚖️ Justice

A wrongful-death suit is pursued to hold police accountable for a deadly shooting. The legal battle reveals how evidence can be contested and how a determined attorney and grieving family push for truth. Due process and perseverance strain the system, yet the Bowden family's resolve drives the case forward. The verdict becomes a landmark moment in civil damages against a city police department.

📰 Media and Truth

Reporter perspectives and ride-alongs document discrepancies between official accounts and what actually happened. The notes and coverage challenge the police narrative and bring public scrutiny to the case. Media involvement influences how the story is perceived and can propel accountability. The narrative questions what gets reported and what remains hidden.

🚓 Police Culture and Reform

The film reveals an internal culture that shields its own and resists scrutiny. It shows attempts to stonewall investigations and manage the narrative from within the department. The eventual disbanding of the Tactical Patrol Force signals reform pressures during the era. The story frames accountability as both institutional and personal.