Police in 1928 Austria arrest Phillippe Halsman, of Jewish origin, for Patricide and allege that he killed his father, Morduch, while on a hiking trip. Phillippe is defended by a Jewish lawyer, Richard Pressburger, who quickly comes to the conclusion that Judge Larcher is prejudiced against his client. This allegation prompts Larcher to warn Richard to continue defending his client - or join him in the cell for contempt charges. The question remains will Richard continue to defend his client or give up this case as he probably realizes that there is no chance of a fair trial.