About this season
Rafferty's Rules was an Australian television drama series which ran from 1987 to 1990 on the Seven Network. Rafferty's Rules was one of the first programs undertaken by the Seven Network's then new in-house drama unit, going into production in May 1985 as "a 15-part courtroom drama". The program had started out as a pilot episode, recorded in early 1984 with the actor Chris Haywood in the lead role. When the pilot episode was remounted later in 1984, Chris Haywood wasn't available and the lead role was re-cast to John Wood. This second recording was eventually broadcast as the program's first episode.
Episodes (15)
1. Pilot
Aired 12 February 1987 • 47 min
Michael Aloysius Rafferty starts his new job as Stipendiary Magistrate of Manly Local Court.
2. Win Some, Lose Some
Aired 19 February 1987
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.
3. Truth to Tell
Aired 26 February 1987
Rafferty deals with a young prostitute and U.S. government officials apply to extradite one of their citizens.
4. The Free Life
Aired 5 March 1987
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.
5. The Women
Aired 12 March 1987
Rafferty is forced to examine his attitude towards women.
6. Rafferty and the Srangers Among Us
Aired 19 March 1987
Rafferty feels alone with his recent move to the city.
7. Sin with Gold
Aired 26 March 1987
Rafferty has no choice but to dismiss a big drug case.
8. Looking Good
Aired 2 April 1987
Rafferty hears two cases about people's desire to look good.
9. Reason to Believe
Aired 9 April 1987
A young prostitute decides to defend herself against a soliciting charge.
10. Mates and Brothers
Aired 16 April 1987
An Italian father and his brother plant a bomb in Rafferty's chambers.
11. Sticks
Aired 23 April 1987
Rafferty investigates what appears to be an accidental death by drowning.
12. Stray Cat
Aired 30 April 1987
A young drifter comes before Rafferty's court for being in possession of a cat skin.
13. Invasion of Privacy
Aired 7 May 1987
Rafferty's cases reflect people invading other people's privacy.
14. Rafferty and the Rough Diamond
Aired 14 May 1987 • 46 min
Rafferty finds that people and things are not always as they seem.
15. Public Image
Aired 21 May 1987
Rafferty realises that the media makes innocent people look like monsters.