In the paradise of Blue Bay, Florida, high school teacher Sam Lombardo (Matt Dillon) is accused of rape by two of his students (Neve Campbell and Denise Richards). The case goes to court, with Sam being defended by shyster lawyer Ken Bowden (Bill Murray).

Unexpected events in the witness box, however, turn the proceedings on their head, but even with justice apparently served, case detective Ray Duquette (Kevin Bacon) suspects the real truth is still to be discovered.