In1960Germany,ArmylawyerMajorSteveGarrettisassignedtodefendfourAmericansoldierschargedwithraping16year-oldKarinSteinhof.Shewasswimminginanearbyriverwhenthefourofthemcameacrossherandtheyweresoonarrestedthereafter.Maj.Garrettisanythingbutimpressedwithhisclientsbuthisjobistogivethemthebestdefensepossible.HetriestoobtainapleabargainbutKarin'sfatherflatlyrefusesandtheprosecutor,ColonelJeromePakenham,isseekingthedeathpenalty.Inorderforthedeathpenaltytobeapplied,thedefenseattorneymusthavetheopportunitytothoroughlyexaminethevictimunderoath.HesympathizeswithKarinanddoeshisbesttoconvinceKarinfathertokeepherfromtestifying.Whenherefuses,Garrettisleftwilllittlechoicebuttoattackheronthestand.Writtenbygarykmcd