A series about crime as seen through the eyes of two police detectives and two prosecutors. In the first half-hour, Detectives Lennie Briscoe and Reynaldo "Rey" Curtis investigate crimes 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. Assistant District Attorneys Claire Kincaid and Jack McCoy, under the watchful eye of District Attorney Adam Schiff, work within a complicated justice system to prosecute the criminals.