try and convict

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Mike Hussey

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Context: LAPD cops involved in prison quarrel:

Edmund: May I make a suggestion, sir?
Police Chief: By all means.
Edmund: The public will expect the department to protect its own and sweep this under the carpet. Don't. Shift the guilt to men whose pensions are secured. Force them to retire. But somebody has to swing, so indict, try and convict...Richard Stensland and Bud White.

What does "try and convict" mean?
Source: L.A. Confidential (a 1997 American neo-noir crime film directed, produced and co-written by Curtis Hanson.)
 

Rover_KE

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bring them to trial and ensure they're found guilty
 

Raymott

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In any other context, it would mean "try to convict." If they'd used the Oxford comma, the meaning would be clear.
"But somebody has to swing, so indict, try, and convict...Richard Stensland and Bud White."
 
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