District Attorney Joseph Campbell is running for United States senator. His major opponent is Maggie Clements, widow of a popular senator who is being backed by her influential father-in-law. The nominating convention is being held in Campbell's city at the same time that he is dealing with a tricky prosecution. Jeanette Brown, who is under eighteen, is being held on a murder charge and the decision must be made whether to try her as an adult or a juvenile. Campbell asks the judge for a continuance so that he can seek the nomination without the trial being a factor, but the judge refuses. Part one ends with the convention in a deadlock on the sixth ballot.