First Monday in October

The story unfolds in the contemporary era of the early 1980s, within a functioning U.S. Supreme Court and contemporary media landscape. The era features televised hearings, high-profile cases, and corporate power dynamics that shape judicial decision-making. The timeframe anchors debates on free speech, ethics, and the balance of personal history with official duties.

The primary setting is the United States Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., where high-stakes constitutional decisions are debated. A secondary, personal space appears in Orange County, California, reflecting Loomis's ties to her background and the private implications of public duty. The plot additionally traverses a California records storage center, underscoring the clash between public responsibility and private secrets.

⚖️ Judicial Ideology

A conservative and a liberal justice clash over interpretation of the law, illustrating how personal beliefs influence rulings. The film probes how ideologies can coexist with professional respect when guided by evidence and dialogue. It also shows that courtroom decisions are as much about philosophy as facts.

🗽 Freedom of Speech

One case tests the boundaries of expression in a pornographic film, weighing individual rights against societal norms. The dialogue examines the proper limits of censorship and the court’s role in safeguarding constitutional rights. The storyline highlights how public perception can impact legal outcomes.

🕊️ Ethics & Recusal

The discovery of a potential conflict of interest threatens the integrity of the bench and prompts questions about recusal. Loomis’s dilemma—whether to resign or stay—tests the duty of judges to prioritize justice over personal history. The arc emphasizes honesty, accountability, and how ethical decisions shape a career.