Plot Synopsis

LAW & ORDER is a one-hour crime procedural that focuses on the crime investigation during the first 30 minutes and the court proceedings in the last half of each episode. Set and filmed in New York City, this longest-running crime drama aired for a record 20 seasons by using storylines inspired by and ripped from contemporary news headlines, while changing details -- and often increasing the severity of crimes -- for dramatic effect. Each episode opens with the discovery of a crime, usually a murder, which launches an investigation. As the officers and detectives tackle the case, they collect as much evidence as possible while interrogating persons of interest, analyzing forensic results, addressing open questions, and apprehending the criminal. Halfway through the episode, the case is turned over to the district attorney's office, so a DA can try the criminal in court. Each episode ends with justice being served -- a verdict or plea bargain -- sometimes to the dissatisfaction of the police department. Known for its iconic clang sound effect when changing scenes throughout the episode, these tones carried over into the other series in the LAW & ORDER franchise.