Courtroom figs. - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "Courtroom figs.", is a classic example of crossword puzzle shorthand. It combines a specific setting with a common abbreviation to point towards another abbreviation. This type of clue tests your knowledge of both the subject matter (the legal world) and the conventions of crossword construction.

Clue Analysis

Let's break down the components of this clue:

• "Courtroom": This immediately sets the scene. We're looking for something or someone associated with the legal system.
• "figs.": This is the key part. In crossword-ese, "figs." is a standard abbreviation for "figures." In this context, "figures" refers to people, specifically important or notable individuals.

So, the clue is asking for an abbreviation for "courtroom figures" or "important people in a courtroom." The answer will be a plural abbreviation.

Thinking Approaches

When you encounter a clue like this, a good strategy is to brainstorm terms related to the main subject.

1. Identify the Category: The clue points to legal professionals.
2. Brainstorm Roles: Who works in a courtroom? Judges, lawyers, prosecutors, defense attorneys, clerks, bailiffs, etc.
3. Look for Abbreviations: Now, think of common abbreviations for these roles.
   • Judges? Not a common three-letter plural abbreviation.
   • Lawyers? Sometimes "attys," but that's four letters.
   • Prosecutors are a key role. What are they called? The most common title is "District Attorney."
4. Pluralize and Abbreviate: The plural of District Attorney is District Attorneys. The standard abbreviation for this is DAs. The clue answer is often written without the apostrophe, leading to DAS. This fits the pattern perfectly.

If you were stuck, checking the crossing letters would be a huge help. If you had D_S or _AS, the answer would likely click into place.

Background Context

A District Attorney (DA) is the chief prosecutor for a local government area, typically a county, in the United States. They are responsible for representing the government in criminal prosecutions. The role is a staple of legal dramas on television and in movies (think "Law & Order"), which has made the abbreviation "DA" and its plural "DAs" very familiar to a wide audience. This pop culture prevalence makes it a go-to term for crossword constructors.

Conclusion

"Courtroom figs." is a concise and effective clue that relies on the solver's ability to recognize two common abbreviations. By decoding "figs." as "figures" and applying it to the "courtroom" setting, you are led directly to the common legal abbreviation for prosecutors. It's a great example of how learning crossword conventions can help you solve clues quickly.

Hints

1. Hint 1: The clue is asking for an abbreviation for certain legal professionals.
2. Hint 2: These individuals are public prosecutors.
3. Hint 3: The full title is "District Attorneys."
4. Hint 4: It's the plural abbreviation for the role held by characters like Jack McCoy in "Law & Order".