Filmed entirely on location in New York City, this realistic program looks at crime and justice from a dual perspective. In the first half-hour, Detectives Lennie Briscoe (Jerry Orbach) and Edward Green (Jesse L. Martin, "Ally McBeal") investigate crimes and apprehend suspects under the supervision of their precinct lieutenant, Anita Van Buren (S. Epatha Merkerson). In the second half-hour, the focus shifts to the criminal courts. Under the watchful eye of District Attorney Adam Schiff (Steven Hill), Assistant District Attorneys Abbie Carmichael (Angie Harmon) and Jack McCoy (Sam Waterston) must work within a complicated justice system to prosecute the accused.

Some cases truly are open and shut. Most, however, are not so clear-cut. The investigations are challenging, prosecutions are complicated, and decisions about legal procedures and plea-bargaining vexing. In the often arduous and complex process of determining innocence and guilt, lives hang in the balance.

"Law & Order" ranked among the top 20 shows on television during the 1998-99 season with an average of 14 million viewers and was the most popular series on NBC aside from the network’s Thursday night hits. It consistently won its time period in adults 18-49 (5.6 rating and 16 share) and total viewers and capped its ninth year by attracting 19.3 million viewers, the shows largest audience for a regularly scheduled Wednesday episode since 1996 and a new record high for a season finale episode.