In 1860's Utah Territory, peaceful cattle farmer James Hikock suffers the loss of his only son, an army deserter. Now, less than a year later, James is forced to shelter a brutish union officer, Coe, and his young prisoner, Edward, who is also condemned to hang for desertion. James must decide whether to allow the law to take its course, or to prevent Edward from suffering the same unjust death that found his son.