Scales of Justice (miniseries)

Scales of Justice is a three-part Australian drama miniseries, made in 1983 by director Michael Jenkins.[1] It was one of the most controversial Australian mini-series ever produced, examining corruption in all levels of law enforcement.[2]

Scales of Justice
Written byRobert Caswell
Directed byMichael Jenkins
Country of originAustralia
Original language(s)English
No. of episodes3
Production
Producer(s)Michael Carson
Running time227 mins
Release
Original networkABC
Original release20 September –
4 October 1983

Scales of Justice is composed of three self-contained, character-linked dramas. Focusing on the world of Australian law enforcement, vice, drugs, politics and widespread corruption, from street level to the corridors of power, the programme achieved a near-documentary level of realism.

Scales of Justice first screened on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation in 1983. Robert Caswell, the writer of the series, expressed surprise at the criticism it received from police and press.[3]

It was released on DVD in 2005, with a 227 minutes running time.

Act One The Job

While investigating a break-in, Probationary Constable Leonard "Spider" Webber witnesses his senior officer stealing merchandise and is torn between loyalty to his team and his own conscience.

Cast
  • Simon Burke as Probationary Constable Leonard "Spider" Webber
  • John Hargreaves as Constable Borland
  • Bill Hunter as Sergeant O'Rourke
  • Isabelle Anderson as Constable Callahan

Act Two The Game

Detective Sergeants Ken Draffin and Mike Miles allow their integrity to be compromised by big-time criminal "Nipper" Jackson.

Cast
  • Dennis Miller as Detective Sergeant Ken Draffin
  • Tim Robertson as Detective Sergeant Mick Miles
  • Tony Barry as Garth "Nipper" Jackson
  • Don Reid as Assistant Commissioner Phillip Thompson
  • Brian McDermott as Police Minister Ralph Carpenter

Act Three The Numbers

A young attorney general's actions bring him into conflict with police, senior politicians and major crime bosses.

Cast
gollark: Down? Why?
gollark: ...
gollark: As of now, *no* reassignments could actually do it.
gollark: We have two days, I'm sure we can make negotiations for reassignments later.
gollark: They really should just be allowed to use channel names for said counters. Discord is SUCH an apioform sometimes?

See also

References
  1. Ed. Scott Murray, Australia on the Small Screen 1970-1995, Oxford Uni Press, 1996 p232
  2. Obituary of Robert Caswell at The Australian accessed 14 July 2013
  3. "Relax, Says Its Writer", Sydney Morning Herald, 10 October 1983 accessed 14 July 2013


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