Michael Aloysius Rafferty starts his new job as Stipendiary Magistrate of Manly Local Court.

Rafferty's estranged wife Joanne arrives in Sydney to discuss a few things and he is anxious. Meanwhile, Paulyne has a crisis of conscience when she has to act for a man in an assault case.

Rafferty deals with a young prostitute and U.S. government officials apply to extradite one of their citizens.

Rafferty is angry when a drugs case he was listed to deal with is suddenly moved to another court and confronts the Chief Magistrate about the matter.

Rafferty is forced to examine his attitude towards women.

Rafferty feels alone with his recent move to the city.

Rafferty has no choice but to dismiss a big drug case.

Rafferty hears two cases about people's desire to look good.

A young prostitute decides to defend herself against a soliciting charge.

An Italian father and his brother plant a bomb in Rafferty's chambers.

Rafferty investigates what appears to be an accidental death by drowning.

A young drifter comes before Rafferty's court for being in possession of a cat skin.

Rafferty's cases reflect people invading other people's privacy.

Rafferty finds that people and things are not always as they seem.

Rafferty realises that the media makes innocent people look like monsters.