The viability of a small town New Zealand District Court is being considered by the Ministry of Justice. The local Judge, a slightly eccentric character, battles with a humourless ministry official to keep the Court open, and is supported in that endeavour by two lawyers, a criminal, and the Court Registrar. The sub plots involve the female lawyer trying to become a partner of her male dominated law firm, and an unrequited love story involving the Court Registrar and the second lawyer.