A discussion of the courts and the public looks at purposes of the courts, their organization and structure, the U.S. Supreme Court and the public, and public awareness of judicial decisionmaking. Individual chapters examine the structure, history, and internal and external issues pertaining to the felony courts, the lower criminal courts, the juvenile courts, the civil courts, and the appellate courts. Attention is also devoted to the prosecution and defense functions and the provision of these services. Court administration for both trial and State courts is discussed, followed by a concluding chapter on court reform. Reform issues considered include obstacles and spearheads to reform and recommendations from various commissions and the American Bar Association. Discussion questions, chapter references, figures, and an index are supplied. Organizational charts of State court systems and selected amendments to the U.S. Constitution are appended.