Law & Order

A closer look at the story

Law & Order takes a close look at New York's criminal underworld and justice system through cases inspired by real-life headlines. Each episode tells both halves of the justice process. In the first, the police step in: detectives investigating serious and often fatal crimes weigh the evidence, question suspects and eventually see the culprit taken into custody. In the second, the action moves to the district attorney's office. The prosecutors must build a solid case to secure a conviction beyond a reasonable doubt. Cooperating across every stage of a complicated justice system, the two expert teams work to keep New York safer. Characters such as Lennie Briscoe, Ed Green, Anita Van Buren, Jack McCoy and Adam Schiff have been among the show's standout figures over the years. Created by Dick Wolf and broadcast on NBC since 1990, this crime and courtroom drama features Sam Waterston, Jerry Orbach and S. Epatha Merkerson.