Series about crime as seen through the eyes of two police detectives and two prosecutors. In the first half-hour, Detectives Lennie Briscoe and Mike Logan investigate crimes and apprehend law-breakers, under the supervision of their precinct leader, Lt. Anita Van Buren. In the second half-hour, the focus shifts to the criminal courts. Assistant District Attorneys Jack McCoy and Claire Kincaid, under the watchful eye of District Attorney Adam Sciff, work within a complicated justice system to prosecute the criminals.