Ep 12. Haven

In Law & Order season 9 episode 12, titled "Haven," the detectives of the fictional 27th Precinct of New York City are investigating the murder of a young girl found in a park. The girl is identified as a twelve-year-old runaway who ran away from the foster home in which she was living. The investigation leads the detectives to a community called Haven House, where they find a group of runaways who are living there.

The Haven House is run by a woman named Monica Phelps, who has a reputation for taking in vagrant children and providing them with shelter, food, and other necessities. However, some of the investigators suspect that there is something more sinister going on behind the scenes. They begin to believe that the woman is not as benevolent as she appears to be and that the house may be serving as a front for something more nefarious.

As the detectives delve deeper into the case, they begin to uncover a web of lies, deceit, and misdirection. They soon learn that Monica has a history of child abuse, and that the Haven House is not exactly as advertised. Some children are there by choice, while others are forced to stay against their will. The detectives are determined to bring Monica to justice and to make sure that the children in her care are safe.

Meanwhile, Assistant District Attorney Jack McCoy is trying to make a case against Monica, but he faces several obstacles in his quest for justice. The first challenge he faces is that he cannot charge Monica with murder, as there is no direct evidence linking her to the crime. Moreover, the children in Haven House are unwilling to testify against her, as they do not want to betray someone who has provided them with a safe haven.

To further complicate matters, the defense lawyer hired by Monica is none other than McCoy's old law school classmate, Michael Woodruff. Woodruff is a skilled lawyer who knows how to exploit any weaknesses in McCoy's case. He argues that Monica is being unfairly accused of a crime simply because of her past, and that the children in Haven House are there by choice.

As the case unfolds, the detectives and the prosecutors find themselves playing a high-stakes game of cat-and-mouse with Woodruff and Monica. The tension builds to a thrilling climax, as the truth behind Monica's true motives is finally revealed.

In "Haven," Law & Order delivers a gripping and suspenseful episode that explores the delicate balance between justice and compassion when dealing with children at risk. The episode highlights the courage of the detectives and the prosecutors who are willing to go the extra mile to protect the most vulnerable members of our society. At the same time, it raises important questions about the limits of the law and the responsibility of the state to ensure the safety and well-being of all children.