A Time to Kill

Billy Ray Cobb and Pete Willard encounter young Tonya Hailey in rural Mississippi. They subject her to a brutal attack before attempting to hang her.

Despite the horrific attack, Tonya survives and is discovered, leading to the arrest of her attackers. This marks the beginning of a tense legal battle.

Tonya's father, Carl Lee Hailey, becomes increasingly anxious about the possibility that the racists might evade justice. He recalls a past case where similarly heinous acts went unpunished.

In a fit of rage, Carl Lee acquires an M16 rifle and storms the county courthouse. He kills both attackers but unintentionally injures Deputy Looney, leading to complications in his legal situation.

Attorney Jake Brigance agrees to defend Carl Lee Hailey for a reduced fee, planning a defense of temporary insanity. The case draws national media attention as it unfolds.

As the trial gains media traction, the Ku Klux Klan begins organizing in Mississippi. Their presence poses a significant threat to Brigance and those involved in the defense.

Freddie Lee Cobb, the brother of one of the rapists, threatens Brigance and his family. This leads to an atmosphere of intimidation and fear surrounding the trial.

The trial commences amid public uproar and media frenzy. Brigance’s family evacuates after the Klan burns a cross on their lawn, an act of intimidation against them.

In a tense moment, Brigance and police apprehend a Klansman carrying a homemade bomb. Brigance heroically throws the bomb away just before it detonates, showcasing his bravery.

As violence escalates, Brigance's house is burned down by arsonists. This act intensifies his resolve to pursue justice for Carl Lee.

Ellen Roark, Brigance's assistant, is kidnapped by Klansmen who brutally assault her. She is eventually rescued, but the event adds to the chaos surrounding the trial.

Brigance visits Carl Lee in jail to propose a lesser plea deal, but Carl Lee angrily rejects the idea, insisting that true justice must be pursued despite the risks.

During closing arguments, Brigance gives a stirring plea to the jury, urging them to visualize Tonya as a white girl. This powerful imagery challenges their preconceived biases about race and justice.

After intense deliberation, a child exclaims that Carl Lee is innocent, leading to jubilation among supporters. However, this moment also incites anger among KKK members, highlighting the deep divisions in the community.

The film concludes with Sheriff Ozzie Walls arresting Freddie Lee and his affiliates. Brigance visits Carl Lee, suggesting their families come together, symbolizing a potential for reconciliation and healing.