The book introduces readers to various perspectives on the courts as institutions whose political aspects are usually less visible than those of the legislative or executive branches of government. The book also addresses the debate over where the power of the courts should reside, with legal experts or with the community. The book is intended to enhance knowledge about how the court system works, the role it plays in society, restrictions on the courts, and avenues that can be explored to solidify and enhance the courts. The 29 articles are organized according to six sections: (1) court overview; (2) decisionmaking components and processes; (3) jury duties and instructions; (4) problem areas for the judiciary; (5) politics in the decisionmaking process; and (6) program implementation and reform. Specific attention is paid to criminal and appeal courts, court administration, judicial recruitment and selection, prosecutor misconduct, criminal defense, due process, bail, criminal trial procedures, sentencing guidelines, legal services, and court reform. Endnotes, tables, and figures