"Law and Order" mastermind Dick Wolf says a story has been created to write the late Jerry Orbach's character out of the "Trial by Jury" spin-off.

ADVERTISEMENT

Orbach is featured prominently in the series' first two episodes, which have his character, Detective Lennie Briscoe, investigating the murder of a cop. However, Wolf wouldn't give reporters any clues as to how Orbach's death was handled by writers, the New York Daily News said Monday.

The series debuts on NBC March 17 at 10 p.m. and settles into its regular slot on Friday, April 1, also at 10 p.m.

"Trial by Jury' will feature Bebe Neuwirth and Amy Carlson as assistant district attorneys in the office of gruff District Attorney Arthur Branch played by Fred Dalton Thompson. Orbach's Briscoe, having retired from detective work, is an investigator for the DA's office.

"Trial by Jury" is the third spin-off of "Law & Order," following "Special Victims Unit" and "Criminal Intent."