Series covers the process of law and order from a dual perspective. In the first half hour, amid the chaos of a New York City police precinct, Detectives Lennie Briscoe and Edward Green seek out and apprehend law-breakers under the supervision of their precinct lieutenant, Anita Van Buren. In the second half hour, the focus shifts to the criminal courts as District Attorney Adam Schiff and assistant district attorneys Abbie Carmichael and Jack McCoy must work within a complicated justice system to prosecute the criminals.