This document has been compiled to pinpoint some problems between criminal justice and legislation of which the court observers have become aware. The pamphlet delineates the rights of the defendant, penal classifications of penalties, common criminal justice terms, information on four Western New York court observing groups, the Niagara County court system and its trials and hearings, the New York State judicial system, tax-supported services for defendants and victims, drinking drivers' programs, police agencies, and justification laws. Extensive tabular data are provided on a variety of topics including reason for appearance, comparison of judges on cases heard in the courtroom, conditional discharge statistics, eligible youth statistics, sex offenses, and results of case activity in city and town courts from 1977 to 1980. A section entitled 'Synod Notes' concludes the publication.