A trio of federal judges--so-called the Brethren--are serving time in a minimum security federal prison. While writing briefs, handling cases for other inmates, practicing law without a license, and maintaining jailhouse justice has them comfortably occupied behind bars, a mail scam scheme that entails blackmailing rich, closeted gay men has them rolling in cash. But when the group's lucrative plan suddenly goes awry, involving a presidential candidate backed by the director of the CIA, the Brethren finds that its lack of freedom might be its only protection.