Jean-Marie Fayard is a young examining magistrate in a large provincial french city. He belongs to that generation of judges who are endeavoring to re-adapt the notion of justice to our changing times. His methods are not agreeable to every one. Criticism and pressure are brought to bear upon him but he is aware of his value, professionally, and refuses to make any concessions. He follows an unwavering course. He uses dynamic methods and takes uncustomary initiatives. He behaves like a crusader, a battler, whence the nickname given him by the reporters : the sheriff.

当政治暴徒谋杀对手的志愿者并杀害警察时，总督察Verjeat认为雇佣他们的政客和杀人暴徒一样有罪。Verjeat对议员Lardatte的追捕得到了上级的警告。当他在解除一名人质（已故志愿者的父亲）的武装时让Lardatte尴尬时，Verjeat被告知他将在一周内被转移。他加快了对暴徒的追捕，并与他的一名年轻侦探Lefévre一起，设计了一个复杂的计划，在移交前争取更多时间。Verjeat应该如何发挥他的荣誉和责任价值观？