Main Characters: Tanya (10-year-old black girl), Carl Lee (Tanya's father), Jake Briggance (local lawyer), Billy Ray Cobb and Pete Willard (white boys who abducted Tanya).
Setting: Ford County, Clanton.
Incident
Tanya is abducted and assaulted by two boys.
Carl Lee, Tanya’s father, finds out and is determined to take revenge.
The two boys are caught and confess.
A preliminary hearing is held, and the defendants are bound over to the grand jury.
Carl Lee's Actions
Carl Lee decides to kill the two boys.
Seeks help from Jake Briggance, who suggests he would kill the rapists if it were his daughter.
Carl Lee acquires an M16 from Cat Bruster, a friend.
Shoots Cobb and Willard at the courthouse, accidentally injuring a deputy.
Carl Lee is arrested.
Community Reaction
Town is divided on Carl Lee's actions, sparking racial tensions.
Black community believes Carl Lee wouldn’t be convicted if he were white.
The case draws media attention, transforming Clanton.
Legal Proceedings
Carl Lee hires Jake Briggance to defend him.
Lucienne advises Jake to ask for a change of venue and to plead insanity.
Carl Lee plays cards in jail and receives visitors.
Jake receives threatening calls and is concerned for his family's safety.
Jake works with Lucienne and Harry Rex to prepare for trial.
Racial and Legal Tensions
KKK becomes active; tensions escalate.
The Council of Ministers organizes support for Carl Lee through demonstrations and fundraising.
NAACP lawyer, Norman Reinfeldt, attempts to take over the case but Carl Lee refuses.
Jake’s home is targeted with a bomb threat.
Trial Preparations
Jake hires Ellen Rourke, a law student, to assist.
Jury selection reveals an all-white jury.
National Guard is called to prevent riots.
Trial
Klan continues to harass and intimidate.
A star witness, Dr. WT Boss, discredited.
Jake struggles, but Lucienne convinces him to continue.
Jake's house is burned down.
Jake receives support from Ellen’s father, Sheldon Rourke.
Verdict
Jury debates; racial tensions persist.
Lucienne bribes a juror.
Jury is initially divided.
Wanda Womack influences the jury to acquit Carl Lee.
Conclusion
Carl Lee is acquitted and reunited with his family.
Issues of racial tension, justice, and vigilante actions are central themes.
Additional Notes
Strong racial undertones impact trial.
Highlights the role of community, media, and personal morality in legal proceedings.