The Law and Order Franchise is a popular series of television shows that focus on the criminal justice system in the United States. It typically follows a two-part format: the first half centers on the investigation of a crime, while the second half deals with the legal proceedings that follow. The franchise began with the original series, Law & Order, which premiered in 1990. Over the years, the franchise has expanded to include several spin-offs, such as Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and Law & Order: Criminal Intent. Each show features a mix of fictional characters and real-life legal issues, highlighting the complexities of law enforcement and the judicial process.