Bought for the sole reason that it stars Peter Strauss.
This appears to be a made-for-TV movie, so don't expect those Hollywood over-the-top "Oscar winning" performances... Instead, be pleasantly surprised by how well non-mainstream actors actually do their job. As with many such productions, this just looks like a bunch of people doing stuff. It's almost documentary in it's execution... but that is what real life is like and the performances in this film are realistic indeed. One gets the impression that this might be one of those 'based on a true story' tales.
The plot is sensible enough and holds a small surprise at the end for those who think they know the plot before it's even started. The subject matter is quite poignant and as relevant today as it was back here in the 80s.
Few names I personally recognise in this, but I was pleasantly surprised to see Richard Chaves, whom some may remember as Poncho Ramirez in Predator! Strauss himself, as always, brings a very realistic and human depth to his portrayal of his character. On the surface, the judge is played as written and the script is evident, but anyone familiar with Strauss's performances will easily note how much more than just dialogue Pete brings to this role. He plays well off his fellow stars and they play well off him.
Definitely worth a watch!!