Scales of Justice is an Australian crime drama miniseries directed by Michael Jenkins. It first screened on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation in 1983. It was one of the most controversial Australian mini-series ever produced, examining corruption in all levels of law enforcement.
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 was acclaimed for its a near-documentary level of realism. Robert Caswell, the writer of the series, expressed surprise at the criticism it received from police and press.
It was released on DVD in 2005, with a 227 minutes running time.
Contents
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
Nick Tate as Glenn Ferris, the State Attorney General
Richard Meikle as Russell Cooper, the State Premier
John Meillon as Barry Barnes, the Deputy State Premier
Kris McQuade as Kate Hardman
Max Cullen as Arthur Roach
Frank Wilson as Sir John Ritchie
Antoinette Byron as Prostitute
Diane Craig as Meredith
NOTE: Don Reid's character, Asst. Commissioner Phillip Thompson is the only character to appear in every episode, while Det. Sgt. Draffin (Dennis Miller), Det. Sgt. Miles (Tim Robertson) and Police Minister Ralph Carpenter (Brian McDermott) are the only central characters to appear in at least 2 episodes.
Reception
Upon release the series received backlash as it was thought that the series portrayed the New South Wales Police Department in an unfavourable light. The series highlights the potential for corruption to enter the lower levels of government.