Marshall

In April 1941, Thurgood Marshall, a dedicated NAACP lawyer, is traveling across the country to defend individuals of color who have been wrongly accused of crimes due to racial bias. His commitment to justice highlights the systemic issues faced by African Americans in the legal sphere.

Upon returning to his office in New York City, Marshall is sent to Bridgeport, Connecticut, to defend Joseph Spell, a chauffeur falsely accused of raping his white employer, Eleanor Strubing. This case has attracted significant media attention due to its racially charged nature.

In Bridgeport, insurance lawyer Sam Friedman is reluctantly tasked to help Marshall get admitted to the local bar, a requirement for him to defend Spell during the trial. Despite facing opposition from the judge, Friedman works to secure Marshall’s presence in the courtroom.

Judge Foster allows Marshall to practice law in his court but forbids him from speaking during the trial. This decision places immense pressure on Friedman as he must navigate the complex trial aided only by Marshall's guidance through notes.

Joseph Spell asserts to Marshall that he never had any sexual contact with Eleanor Strubing. He directs the lawyers to a police patrolman who stopped him that night while he was with Strubing, hoping this testimony will support his innocence.

Marshall and Friedman investigate Strubing's account, questioning the credibility of her claim that Spell assaulted her in the back seat of her car. Their doubts grow as they analyze the inconsistencies, specifically why Spell would attempt to throw her into a calmer part of the river.

During the trial, a doctor reveals that skin was found under Strubing's fingernails along with bruises on her body, suggesting a struggle. Strubing's testimony of being tied up when police arrived strengthens the prosecution’s case against Spell.

Under pressure from Marshall and Friedman, Spell confesses that he had sexual encounters with Strubing. He explains that the bruises could be attributed to her abusive husband, leading to a convoluted series of events that paint a much more complicated picture.

Spell recounts a night where Strubing, panicked over a potential pregnancy, jumped from a bridge while he tried to stop her. This moment highlights the volatile circumstances surrounding the situation and Strubing's emotional state.

As the trial progresses, a Southern white woman is selected as the jury forewoman, which plays a crucial role in the trial's outcome. Her assertive nature raises hopes for a fair deliberation among the jurors.

Before the verdict is delivered, Marshall is called away to handle another case in Mississippi. As he leaves, the tensions of the trial weigh heavily on both him and Spell, with fate hanging in the balance.

In Marshall's absence, prosecutor Willis offers Spell a lighter plea agreement, but emboldened by the revelations in court, Spell refuses to accept it. This decision marks a turning point in his confidence regarding the trial.

With Marshall gone, Friedman presents the closing statement on behalf of Spell. Their earlier preparation comes into play as they hope that their defense resonates with the jury during this critical moment.

The jury ultimately delivers a 'not guilty' verdict, much to the surprise and relief of Spell and his defense team. The verdict highlights a significant victory not only for Spell but for justice in a racially charged environment.

After the trial, Joseph Spell is filled with joy as the jury celebrates the verdict. Both Marshall and Friedman reflect on their commitment to civil rights, with Marshall continuing his illustrious career in the American legal system.