A brief sketch of the organizational structure of the Federal judiciary in historical perspective is followed by an outline of the jurisdiction of the three levels of the U.S. courts including current data on the workload of these tribunals. A description of the duties and contributions of the court staff and administrative agencies underscores that "judging" is increasingly a team effort. A review of the characteristics of Federal judges addresses their values and how they manifest themselves in judicial decisionmaking. The discussion shows a discernible policy link between the values of a majority of voters in a presidential election, the values of the appointing president, and the subsequent policy content of decisions made by judges nominated by the Chief executive. An examination of judicial decisionmaking addresses those aspects of the decisionmaking process characteristic of all judges. Also addressed is the special case of decisionmaking in collegial, appellate courts. Other issues explored are the policy impact of Federal court decisions, the process by which judicial rulings are implemented, and factors that determine whether judges will engage in policymaking. Chapter notes, subject index, and a 196-item selected bibliography