Law & Order: Trial by Jury

Law and Order: Trial by Jury is an American television drama about criminal trials in New York City. It is the third spinoff of the long-running Law & Order. The show's almost exclusive focus is on the criminal trial of the accused; showing both the prosecution's and defense's preperation for trial, as well as the trial itself. The series previewed on Thursday, March 3, 2005. Its regular time slot is Fridays 10/9 pm ET on NBC.

Unlike the other Law & Order series, Trial By Jury shows what it is like to prepare for and try a criminal case. The episodes usually start with a witness or victim telling a story about a crime that has already occurred. This story is used to bring the audience in on what happened prior to the beginning of the episode. This is a departure from the other three Law and Order shows, which usually start off showing the audience the actual crime. The show progresses on from that point, showing how both sides develop their strategies for winning the case. The prosecution's preparation usually includes scenes where their investigators go out and follow up on leads and interview witnesses. The defense's preparation varies from episode to episode; running the gamut from testing arguments in front of jury focus groups, to unethical dealmaking between co-defendants. So far each episode has had several trial scenes, with both sides examining witnesses and giving arguments. There are also several pre-trial meetings where some procedural issue is argued and ruled on. There have also been a few episodes showing jury deliberation. In addition, the show seems to be developing the judges as characters, showing scenes of them conferring with each other, and reusing the same ones in multiple episodes.

The series stars Bebe Neuwirth (most famous from roles on Broadway and as Lilith Sternin on the sitcom Cheers) and Amy Carlson as two prosecutors in the Manhattan District Attorney's office. Kirk Acevedo plays a investigator who works with them. Fred Thompson also continues his role as District Attorney Arthur Branch from the original Law and Order.

Jerry Orbach was also supposed to bring his character Lennie Briscoe into the new series in a reduced role (at his request). Orbach died at the end of December 2004. His only performances were in the first two episodes, which he completed prior to his death. It is noticable that his health is seriously declining in the show's second episode, where most of what Orbach says comes out as a coarse whisper. Scott Cohen joined the cast.

So far the show's guest stars include Candice Bergen, Lorraine Bracco, and Carey Lowell (who played Judge Jamie Ross). John Mahoney (Frasier) may also appear.

According to Hollywood Reporter and Variety, NBC may cancel the show after only one season,due to the lack of viewers. If this is the case,then for the first time a show of the Law & Order franchise will be canceled. NBC will announce it´s final fall program schedule on Monday.

External links

• Offical Website
• Law & Order: Trial by Jury at the Internet Movie Database