The film begins with Hank Palmer, a slick and successful defense attorney in Chicago, learning about his mother’s death. Despite his strained relationship with his father, Judge Joseph Palmer, Hank returns to his hometown of Carlinville, Indiana, for the funeral.
Upon his arrival, Hank discovers that his father is suspected of hitting and killing Mark Blackwell (Mark Kiely), a man he had previously sentenced. Joseph claims that he doesn’t remember the incident, and the case becomes a major trial in the small town.
Hank decides to defend his father, despite their rocky history. As the trial progresses, Hank uncovers deep-seated family issues, including his brother Glen’s (Vincent D’Onofrio) struggles and the tension between Hank and his father. Throughout the trial, Joseph remains stoic and unyielding, leading to a strained relationship with Hank.
As the courtroom drama unfolds, it is revealed that Joseph did hit Mark Blackwell, but the circumstances were more complex than initially thought. Joseph was defending himself against Mark, who had a history of abusing his daughter, Carla (Leighton Meester), and the incident was not premeditated.
The trial brings the Palmer family to a breaking point, with Hank realizing the importance of family and forgiveness. In the end, Joseph is found not guilty of murder but is convicted of a lesser charge. The film concludes with a scene of Hank and Joseph mending their relationship, as Joseph serves a short prison sentence.
“The Judge” received mixed reviews from critics, but performances by Robert Downey Jr. and Robert Duvall were praised. The film explores themes of family, forgiveness, and the complexities of relationships.