The action takes place in and around the courthouse in Hillsboro, Tennessee, July 1925
| ACT ONE | |
| Scene I: | • On the courthouse lawn, an hour after
dawn; • In the courtroom, directly following; • Near the town square, later that morning; • In the courtroom, a few hours later; • Near the town square, at dusk |
| Scene II: | • In the courtroom, a few days later |
| Scene III: | • Near the town square, the same night |
-- FIFTEEN MINUTE INTERMISSION --
| ACT TWO | |
| Scene I: | • In the courtroom, two days later |
| Scene II: | • In the courtroom, the following day |