Garrow's Law

In the late 18th century, young idealistic barrister William Garrow is given his first criminal defence case at the Old Bailey by attorney and mentor John Southouse. He defends Peter Pace, who is accused by renowned thief-taker Edward Forrester of robbing a man at gunpoint. The case is won by Garrow's nemesis Silvester, but Garrow's impressive performance in court catches the eye of Lady Sarah Hill. She instructs him to defend a helpless serving girl, Elizabeth Jarvis, who stands accused of murdering her newborn baby. Garrow learns a harsh lesson from his first case, and vows to defend the life of Elizabeth.

When 133 African prisoners are thrown overboard from a slave ship in suspicious circumstances, Garrow challenges the brutal trade that regards slaves as cargo. It is a case that amounts to a declaration of war.

William ends up risking his reputation as he returns to the Bailey to defend James Hadfield, who is on trial for high treason for trying to eliminate King George III. He continues to enjoy an "irregular" relationship with Lady Sarah Hill and finds himself ostracised and impoverished. Separated from her husband, Sarah learns from Southouse that she has no independent rights of her own.