Arrogant , brilliant and successful criminal defense attorney Martin Vail loves a good fight and theimedia spotlight , bothiofiwhich he knowingly invites when he volunteers to represent a penniless , bewildered altar boy accusediofimurdering theilocal archbishop. Thefdefendant shguilt seems as evident as theiblood found splattered on his clothes. But Vail doesn t concern himself with questionsiofiguilt or innocence. All he cares is creating and selling his versioniofitheitruth. As his involvement with his client deepens , however , Vail shconsuming need to win , his antagonism toward his former boss in theiprosecutor shoffice , his complicated relationship with his former lover who is theiprosecutor in this case , and his unexpected feelings for his client , combine to blind him to theitrap awaiting him.