An inexperienced inmate, called Smitty, learns how to behave and what attitude he should have from a more experienced inmate called Mike. Smitty at first is very negative and unrealistic about his situation. Gradually he learns that it is in his best interest to take advantage of the courses and services offered to inmates at Rikers Island. These include a high school equivalency program, sports activities, a law research class to help inmates research their own cases, a law library, legal aid offered by the Legal Aid Society, and vocational classes.