Justice Summary

Riley Holt, the richest and most powerful man in Tallahatchie County, Mississippi, has been found beaten to death. Hoop Granger watches the investigation unfold from his gas station a few yards from the site of the murder. Hoop Granger says that he saw Alvin Tinsley, a local veterinarian, go to Holt's ranch in anger. The police bring Alvin in to question him, a situation that is reminiscent of a time some twenty years ago when Hoop accused Alvin of killing a cat and Alvin confessed. This time, however, Alvin swears to his innocence.

The police let Alvin go, much to Hoop's chagrin. For this reason, Hoop gathers his KKK brothers and they steal Alvin out of his house. The KKK accuses Alvin of murder, trying him and meeting out his punishment themselves. As Alvin swears he will prove his innocence, he is beaten...