a white policemen is accused of killing a black youth. Another case, involves a rape victim facing her attacker at trial. And in the last case, an inexperienced lawyer loses evidence while working on a murder case.

Assistant District Attorney Mike James works hard to gain the trust of an elderly victim. The victim lives in a housing project that is the main focus of an ongoing criminal trial. Meanwhile, prosecutor Jo Ann Harris must deal with a grand jury on the exact day she plans to head home.

Peter Bauer is frustrated by his inability to prove a man's innocence; while Jo Ann Harris and Briggs are victims of a con game and try to get back the money that was lost in the scam; and Mike James pursues his romantic interest.

Mike James and Julie Janovich work together to prosecute a wife-beater in an emotional domestic violence case. Eugene Rogan struggles to take care of his aging mother, and Jo Ann Harris gets her first trial…and meets Peter Bauer.

District Attorney Arnold Bach assigns a racially motivated murder case to both Eugene Rogan and Mike James, which causes a major strain in their relationship; and Rogan throws his annual Assistant District Attorney party.

Mike James becomes an eyewitness to a murder; Bureau Chief Eugene Rogan sees his personal life start to unravel when his wife Jesse finds a lump in her breast; and Jo Ann Harris savors her first victory in court.

Deputy D.A. Eugene Rogan puts his career at stake when he attempts to prosecute the murderer of a high-priced prostitute. Meanwhile, Julie and Briggs team up to keep a man previously convicted of child abuse behind bars where he belongs.

Linda Bauer (Jane Kaczmarek) accuses a judge of preventing a rape victim from getting a fair trial. Meanwhile, Michael (Joe Morton) needs a witness to testify in a gang-related case, and Chris (James Wilder) is asked for a favor by an informant.

Julie struggles in her first murder trial involving a young girl who is too frightened to testify. Meanwhile, Jo Ann's success in her first grand jury hearing all depends on a dangerous witness, and Searls decides to help a druggie find a job.

Briggs goes head-to-head with an inmate who is representing himself and is accused of killing a fellow inmate. Meanwhile, Frank has a new romantic interest in Linda, and Searls ignores signs that Sugar is going down hill in his new office job.

Jesse is called to serve jury duty on a case that Chris Searls is prosecuting. Meanwhile, Searls is in a relationship with an attractive woman who may end up having ulterior motives, and Julie is envious of Jo Ann's new case assignment.

Eugene Rogan and Linda Bauer solve the murder of a police officer and find they are falling in love. Christopher Searls' pride is challenged when his girlfriend saves his life, and Jo Ann learns that handling citizens' complaints can be rewarding.

Eugene Rogan and Linda Bauer are determined to put away a cop-killer, going before the Grand Jury to indict Officer Boyce for the murder of Sergeant Branch. Briggs thinks that he has met his "dream girl" and has a very surprising birthday party.