First Monday in October

The death of Associate Justice Stanley Moorehead creates a vacancy on the U.S. Supreme Court. The vacancy triggers a presidential nomination to fill the seat.

Ruth Loomis, a staunch conservative from Orange County, California, is chosen by the President to fill the vacancy and becomes the first female Associate Justice. She is confirmed to join the Court.

Loomis and Snow, a liberal veteran on the Court, begin a sustained clash on major judicial issues. Their intellectual battles reveal deep philosophical differences as they navigate the same bench.

One of their early cases involves a pornographic film, forcing them to grapple with the boundaries of free speech. The debate tests how far First Amendment protections extend in controversial media.

Another appeal arises from Omnitech International, where stockholders allege suppression of a potentially revolutionary momentum engine. The patent is controlled by Omnitech's board, and its CEO Donald Richards has been unseen for a decade and cannot be subpoenaed.

As they continue to work together, Loomis and Snow begin to respect each other's intellect and judgment despite initial ideological differences. Their professional regard grows even as their positions diverge on key issues.

After hours in the empty courthouse, they debate the momentum engine and the Omnitech case, cultivating a deeper professional rapport. The isolated discussions reveal a budding mutual understanding beyond party lines.

Snow experiences a possible heart episode and is taken to the hospital for examination and monitoring. Loomis visits him, showing concern and reinforcing their bond.

Loomis returns to California overnight to confront the personal implications of their debate and possible conflicts of interest. She wrestles with the idea that her past associations could affect the Omnitech case.

In a records storage center, Loomis uncovers evidence that her late husband and his law firm covered up the death of their client, Donald Richards. This discovery gives Loomis a credible conflict of interest in Omnitech and complicates her role on the case.

Loomis contemplates resigning from the Supreme Court because of the conflict.

Snow, upon learning of Loomis's concerns, leaves the hospital and argues with her, persuading her not to resign. Their exchange highlights their evolving respect and commitment to the law.

They travel by taxi to the Supreme Court to announce Loomis's discovery and push the Omnitech case onto the Court's docket.

Arriving at the courthouse, Loomis's discovery becomes a catalyst for the next conference and the Omnitech review, setting the stage for the high court to reassess the momentum engine dispute.