Series covers the process of law and order from a dual perspective. In the first half-hour, Detective Mike Logan, who is coping with the murder of his first partner, works with his new partner, Detective Phil Cerreta, to apprehend law-breakers under the supervision of Captain Donald Cragen. In the second half-hour, the focus shifts to the criminal courts as Assistant District Attorneys Ben Stone and Paul Robinette, under the watchful eye of District Attorney Adam Schiff, work within a complicated justice system to prosecute the criminals.