The judicial role is considered from two perspectives: the horizontal position of the judiciary with respect to the other branches of government and the vertical relationships of the several courts in each judicial system. The history of common law is also briefly summarized. To examine craftsmanship, or the manner in which judges and their colleagues conduct the decisionmaking process, the text covers the opinion, the mechanics of opinion formulation, dissent, concurrence, divided courts, appellate review, and the role of the trial court. Common law adjudication is also described, focusing on goals, precedent, judicial lawmaking, and changing the common law. Finally, the court's tasks in statutory interpretation, the processes of understanding the statute and legislative intent, and consideration of developments after the statute is enacted are examined. An index and a table of cases are included.