The film is an anthology, consisting of a day's cases before Judge Salomone Lo Russo in a court in Rome.

Don Michele, a keen young Catholic priest is accused of starting a brawl in a pool hall.

Accused of immodesty by going around naked, Nando explains that on a hot day he took a dip in a stream and found his clothes gone.

A sad old woman accused of drunkenness and harassing people, says she was a much-loved variety artiste during the First World War.

After dismissing the case, he retires to his chambers and explains to a bust of the celebrated Roman lawyer Marcus Tullius Cicero that, despite basing his career on strict application of the criminal law, sometimes one has to temper justice with mercy.

[3] A young Lucio Fulci originated the idea and format for this film, and then helped to write the screenplay and assist Steno in directing it, making it the largest screen credit in his career up to this point.

[4] Critics said the film was carried by the versatile acting of Peppino De Filippo, who was convinced to become a comedian by the Italian actor Totò.

Alberto Sordi's character of Nando Moriconi became so popular, he reprised the role in several later Italian comedies, such as An American in Rome (1954), without ever sharing the credit with Fulci.