Scales of Justice (miniseries)
| Company type | Miniseries |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television |
| Founded | 1983 |
| Founder | Robert Caswell (writer), Michael Jenkins (director) |
| Headquarters | Australia |
| Products | Television drama |
Scales of Justice is an Australian crime drama miniseries helmed by director Michael Jenkins, which premiered on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation in 1983. Recognized for its provocative portrayal of corruption permeating all tiers of law enforcement, the series was praised for its strikingly realistic, almost documentary-like style. Crafted by writer Robert Caswell, it delves into themes such as Australian policing, vice, narcotics, politics, and entrenched corruption spanning from street-level offenses to governmental authority.
The miniseries is composed of three distinct yet thematically linked episodes. It was made available on DVD in 2005, with a combined duration of 227 minutes.
Act One — The Job
Probationary Constable Leonard "Spider" Webber encounters a moral dilemma when he observes a senior officer engaging in theft during an investigation of a break-in, torn between allegiance to his colleagues and his own ethical standards.
Cast
- Simon Burke portraying Probationary Constable Leonard "Spider" Webber
- John Hargreaves as Constable Borland
- Bill Hunter in the role of Sergeant O'Rourke
- Isabelle Anderson as Constable Callahan
Act Two — The Game
Detective Sergeants Ken Draffin and Mike Miles find their principles compromised through their association with prominent criminal figure "Nipper" Jackson.
Cast
- Dennis Miller playing Detective Sergeant Ken Draffin
- Tim Robertson as Detective Sergeant Mick Miles
- Tony Barry cast as Garth "Nipper" Jackson
- Don Reid in the role of Assistant Commissioner Phillip Thompson
- Brian McDermott portraying Police Minister Ralph Carpenter
Act Three — The Numbers
The decisions made by a young attorney general provoke tensions with law enforcement officials, high-ranking politicians, and influential criminal leaders.
Cast
- Nick Tate as Glenn Ferris, the State Attorney General
- Richard Meikle playing Russell Cooper, State Premier
- John Meillon as Barry Barnes, Deputy State Premier
- Kris McQuade cast as Kate Hardman
- Max Cullen portraying Arthur Roach
- Frank Wilson as Sir John Ritchie
- Antoinette Byron in the role of a Prostitute
- Diane Craig as Meredith
Reception
The series generated controversy due to its depiction of the New South Wales Police Department, drawing attention to the susceptibility to corruption within lower levels of government.
See also
External links
- Scales of Justice at Australian Screen Online
- Scales of Justice at AustLit
- Scales of Justice at Australian Television