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 Jack McCoy and Abbie Carmichael, under the watchful eye of District Attorney Adam Schiff, work within a complicated justice system to prosecute the criminals.