Top 10 Empowering Female Characters on Law & Order: SVU
#10: Katriona "Kat" Tamin
To some, joining one of the longest running on-air criminal television series could be viewed as an intimidating task. But Jamie Gray Hyder received this challenge effortlessly when she was cast as Katriona “Kat” Azar Tamin. This officer from Manhattan Vice becomes the newest female detective to join the Special Victims Unit in 2019. We get our first glimpse of Kat in the season 21 episode “I'm Going To Make You a Star”. Kat dives in full-throttle, going under-cover on a sting operation in attempts to capture media mogul and predator, Tobias Moore. The detective has since shown herself to be extremely devoted to her career and someone who wears her badge on her sleeve.
#9: Elizabeth Rodgers
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As the Law & Order franchise involves several television series, a film, and even video games, their characters are known for cross-over appearances. This is the case for medical examiner, Elizabeth Rodgers. Played by Leslie Hendrix, her character pops in and out of various Law & Order series and even appeared in “Exiled: A Law & Order Movie.” When it comes to “SVU,” Dr. Rodgers only appeared in the very first season of the crime drama. Despite this, she is a powerful female influence, and her dedication to her work is seen throughout her character’s arc. She may not always be on the same page as law enforcement, but the fact that she’s one of the franchise’s longest-running recurring characters is enough to earn her spot on this list.
#8: Abbie Carmichael
Similar to Dr. Elizabeth Rodgers, Assistant District Attorney Abbie Carmichael is another one of the front running female cast members to appear only in the first season of SVU. She stepped onto the scene in ‘99, starring in the very first episode, “Payback”. Her controversial political views may cause tension with District Attorneys and other ADA’s, but that doesn’t stop her from teaming up with the members of SVU to do her best at placing perpetrators behind bars. Although she only appears in six episodes in season one, Angie Harmon’s character definitely makes a strong impact on the series and sets the bar high for future ADA’s to come.
#7: Monique Jeffries
Fiery, street-smart detective Monique Jeffries is another character who appeared only in the earlier seasons of SVU. She joins the department in season one and is eventually paired with long-lasting SVU Detective, John Munch. Lasting a brief two seasons, Michelle Hurd’s character is one of the first women detectives and police officers on the series. While seeking out a suspect, she is put in a life-compromising position that alters her judgement. We won’t spoil the storyline for you, but we can tell you that Jeffries travels down quite the path… and according to some critics, had much “untapped potential.”
#6: Melinda Warner
The Special Victims Unit and entire judicial system would not be able to detain and prosecute suspects without admissible evidence. Sometimes, a significant piece of - breathless - evidence falls on the coroner’s table and into the forceps of Doctor Melinda Warner. By always providing a concise time and cause of departure for the SVU victims, Dr. Warner is a dependable medical examiner. Replacing Dr. Rodgers, Warner first appeared as a recurring character, then became a regular cast member throughout seasons 7 to 12 and returned to a recurring role afterwards. By risking her life and even being held hostage a few times on the job, Dr. Warner is a dedicated ally and strong asset to the team.
#5: Elizabeth Donnelly
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With her sharp-shooter personality and passion for the law, there’s no question why Elizabeth Donnelly made the cut! From seasons three to six, Donnelly begins her career as an ADA and then works her way to becoming a bureau chief ADA. Her devotion to the law is rewarded and she is rightfully promoted to one of the most powerful positions in the court system - judge - in season 7. Donnelly holds many hats throughout her time on SVU. And the most prevalent of all is being the supervisor and mentor of successful ADAs Alexandra Cabot and Casey Novak. Donnelly is a force to be reckoned with and one who won’t stop until order is restored in her court.
#4: Amanda Rollins
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Transferred to SVU in 2011, Detective Amanda Rollins joined the department in its 13th season. Rollins was an overachiever when she first stepped on the scene. But she is taken under the wing of her current partner and seasoned SVU vet, Detective Odafin “Fin” Tutuola, and shown the ropes. Coming from a troubled past, Rollins is known to take risks on the job, but her intentions always come from the right place - that being to capture the bad guys! The writers for the series included not one, but two of Kelli Giddish’s real life pregnancies into her character’s storylines. And she just might be the proof that one woman can really do it all!
#3: Casey Novak
Career-driven, Harvard graduate Casey Novak is passionate about her work, but would never reveal her emotions in court. She appears in five full seasons of the series and is the only female ADA to do so! As the second longest-running ADA in all of “Law & Order,” her character followed Alexandra Cabot’s departure.. She is tough but fair when it comes to prosecuting suspects and always stands on the right side of the law. In order to remain a successful ADA, you must be just and fair. And with a conviction rate of 71 percent, Senior ADA Novak definitely proves to be an SVU success!
#2: Alexandra Cabot
In season two, we meet Alexandra Cabot, who was the longest-running female ADA in the series before Casey Novak took the title. With a significant role that sees her popping in and out of 9 seasons, Cabot has a tendency to let her personal morals guide her prosecuting and testifying decisions. However, following her intrinsic instincts has caused life-threatening havoc on her career. When she took a hiatus from the series, fans thought they saw the last of Cabot after season five. We get a one-off appearance the next season, but unfortunately, she disappears with a new identity. And that’s why our mouths were left ajar when we learnt of her chilling return in season 10! Although she has a tendency to ghost us; Alexandra Cabot holds a special place in our hearts!
#1: Olivia Benson
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The reasoning for her character’s top spot should be obvious, but for those of you unfamiliar with Law & Order: SVU, Captain Olivia Benson is the series’ leading lady - literally! Because she is the current leader of the department as she holds the rank of Commanding Officer. Starting off as a detective, she’s been on the series for a whopping twenty-two seasons and likely won’t stop until all the victims of New York Cities stories are heard. Jeopardizing a few relationships, and putting her own life at stake, Benson always prioritizes her career first. As one of the most respected female role models on television since the late ‘90s, Mariska Hargitay’s portrayal of Olivia Benson alone is reason enough to get locked into the SVU craze! Case closed!
