Judge Franklin discovers that hiring a law clerk can be a trying experience. Miss Reubner, his secretary, does not like her boss's favorite applicants and his scatterbrained stenographer wants to be considered for the position.
Walter invites his secretary to his home for her birthday and when she becomes tipsy astounds everyone with her expert jitterbugging. However the next day she's back to her usual joyless self and decides to resign in shame.
In court, Judge Franklin upholds the Constitutional right of a theater to show an X-rated film, but at home he refuses to permit his 18-year-old daughter go see the film.
The Judge's daughter is picked up for a date by Bullet Head, who's bald, speaks in a NY accent, and love bowling. The judge asks, "You like to go bowling?" The boy is annoyed and says, "Bowling's fun. It's fun for the entire family!"
Diana Muldaur returns as Judge Eleanor Hooper and Walter's romantic interest. When the two get engaged he does not understand why his family , who think he is jumping the gun, do not show his euphoria.
In the spirit of the holidays Walter decides to invite a beer do well home for dinner. He soon realizes his mistake as the man looks to stay for an extended time.
Walter meets up with his old. Law partner and the man extends an extreme lucrative offer to return to private practice. Walter is tempted by the opportunity.
Walter's romance with Judge Hooper is threatened by the arrival of his college friend, a dashing lawyer who once dated Eleanor and now finds himself falling in love with her again.
The Franklin household rebels against Walter's control; Bobby demands her own apartment, Oliver refuses to change schools, and Mrs. McClellan defies her employer by getting a cat.
Authorities learn Judge Franklin's life has been threatened and offer him security. But Walter learns his bodyguard is to be Mario from the DAs office a person he can't abide.