Summary
Julian Randolph, a legal luminary whose professional brilliance is regrettably overshadowed by a cynical mastery of judicial manipulation, orchestrates the fabrication of jury panels with a disquieting ease. His morally ambiguous talents catch the attention of a formidable political machine, spearheaded by the shadowy 'Boss' Nordhoff, who presents an irresistible proposition: a coveted judgeship in exchange for the acquittal of his brother, Clifford, entangled in a murder charge. Randolph, a man accustomed to navigating the murky waters of legal subterfuge, employs his customary illicit methods to secure the desired verdict, thereby ascending to the bench. However, this elevation to a position of perceived integrity comes with the tacit understanding that he remains a puppet of his benefactors. A transformative encounter with Laura Nelson, a woman embodying unblemished social grace and moral rectitude, ignites within Randolph an unexpected yearning for redemption. This burgeoning affection compels him to sever ties with Roxana Frisbee, an erstwhile confederate in his less-than-honorable schemes, and to defiantly resist the insidious machinations of the political powers that installed him. In a dramatic repudiation of his compromised past, Randolph ultimately champions the cause of genuine justice, earning not only the hand of the virtuous Laura but also witnessing the unforeseen, parallel moral awakening of Roxana.
Synopsis
Julian Randolph, a dishonest attorney whose specialty is furnishing phony jurors, is offered a judgeship if he clears Clifford Nordhoff, the brother of powerful politician "Boss" Nordhoff, of a murder charge. With the aid of his usual tools, Randolph succeeds and is given a position on the bench. Here he is expected to obey the commands of the men who secured his appointment, but Ranoldph falls in love with Laura Nelson, a girl of upstanding social position, and resolves to follow the straight path. He breaks off with Roxana Frisbee, an adventuress who had assisted him in his shady schemes, and refuses to hand down a decision in favor of the political machine. In the end, Randolph upholds justice, wins Laura as his wife, and has the gratification of seeing Roxana also go straight.
