Detectives Briscoe and Curtis investigate a multiple homicide when several people in a used clothing store are stabbed to death. There is one survivor and she - and several others - identify a crack-head that hangs around many of the businesses on the same street. He's eventually identified as James Smith, a schizophrenic who is off his meds. Smith is a lawyer, a Summa Cum Laude law school graduate, who manages to obtain the court's approval to represent himself. The prosecution faces a dilemma knowing that while Smith might be quite presentable when taking his medication, he has in the past simply decided to stop, at which time his mental health would rapidly deteriorate. The case is particularly difficult for ADA Claire Kincaid who had once agreed to a plea bargain with him. The families of the dead now blame her for the loss of their loved ones.
—garykmcd