Hawkins is a television series which aired for one season on CBS between 1973 and 1974. The mystery, created by Robert Hamner and David Karp, starred James Stewart as rural-bred lawyer Billy Jim Hawkins, who investigated the cases he was involved in, similarly to Stewart's earlier smash hit movie Anatomy of a Murder. Despite being critically well received and winning a Golden Globe Award, the series was cancelled after one season consisting of seven 90-minute episodes. Stewart requested the cancellation since he believed that the quality of scripts and directors in television could not continuously measure up to the level to which he was accustomed with theatrical films. Seen as part of The New CBS Tuesday Night Movies, it alternated with the TV movie adaptations of Shaft. Contemporary analysts suggested that since the two shows appealed to vastly different audience bases, alternating them only served to confuse fans of both series, giving neither one the time to build up a large viewership.

Visualizes traffic problems and cites statistics concerning these problems. Suggests three major considerations in the reduction of traffic problems: engineering, education, and enforcement. Emphasizes the traffic court judge's responsibility in enforcement and discusses how a judge can most effectively deal with each case so that people will leave the courtroom with respect for law courts and an awareness of their responsibilities toward observing the rules of the road.

Clarifies the meaning and purposes of corrective penalization as applied by the city traffic court. Describes the importance of accurate and complete information relating to both the traffic offense and the offender. Classifies traffic violators into three groups and points out examples of corrective penalties which may be imposed and stresses the value of a traffic court school for certain types of traffic violators.

Outlines the basic requirements necessary for effective court administration which is equally applicable to one-judge or multiple-judge courts and illustrates principles of sound business practices. Lists adequate courtroom facilities and stresses the need for competent clerical help and clerk attaches. Enumerates the merits of combination traffic ticket and complaint. Encourages the establishing of an accurate system of accountability of complaints. Advocates the establishment of traffic violations bureau where clerical assistants could handle non-moving and non-hazardous viloations.

Contrasts the traffic court of the horse and buggy era with that of today. Points out that traffic court cases must be kept separate from others and that the court must demand and earn respect. Presents examples of good traffic courtroom procedure emphasizing such aspects as the formal opening, initial remarks by the judge outlining rights and obligations of defendants, trial procedure, and formal closing. Emphasizes that it is the traffic court judge's responsibility to increase respect for judicial authority.