New York ? Will the criminal justice system be alive on “Law & Order” next fall? It’s down to the wire whether the venerable cop drama will be nabbing more bad guys in a history-making run.

With the official announcement of NBC’s 2010-11 schedule due Sunday, the network on Thursday still wasn’t handing down a verdict on the show.

NBC refused to confirm multiple reports that the show was being canceled after 20 seasons on the air, one year short of an all-time record.

Meanwhile, a person close to the production said talks are still going on. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because that person was not authorized to speak publicly about the negotiations.

The show’s season (or series) finale airs May 24, with no official closure. It will mark the departure of S. Epatha Merkerson, a cast member since 1993, but her leave-taking is unrelated to the show’s future.