Depending on whom one talks to, today's criminal courts are either the savior or the demon of our social order. While everyone seems to have an answer about what needs to be done, the solutions are neither simple, nor within our current allocation of resources. Media hype and political posturing emotionally dilute the reality of what motivates crime and what constitutes effective punishment. The essays and research in this anthology give the reader a realistic view of complex problems affecting our juvenile and adult courts and, consequently, the rest of the criminal justice system. Topics include sentencing disparity, sentencing reform, and wrongful convictions. Some traditionally controversial issues are covered, such as the insanity defense and the death penalty as well as the more recent "three-strikes-and-you're-out" movement and mandatory minimums. This series will be of great utility to students, scholars, and others with interests in the literature of criminal justice and criminology.

This book examines the American legal system, including a comprehensive treatment of the U.S. Supreme Court. Despite this treatment, the 'in' from the title deserves emphasis, for it extensively examines lower courts, providing separate chapters on state courts, the US District Courts, and the US Courts of Appeals. The book analyzes these courts from a legal/extralegal framework, drawing different conclusions about the relative influence of each based on institutional structures and empirical evidence. The book is also tied together through its attention to the relationship between lower courts and the Supreme Court. Additionally, Election 2000 litigation provides a common substantive topic linking many of the chapters. Finally, it provides extended coverage to the legal process, with separate chapters on civil procedure, evidence, and criminal procedure.

Gale Researcher Guide for: Overview of US Court System and Structure is selected from Gale's academic platform Gale Researcher. These study guides provide peer-reviewed articles that allow students early success in finding scholarly materials and to gain the confidence and vocabulary needed to pursue deeper research.

""The U.S. Court 101"" offers a comprehensive guide to the American justice system, demystifying its complex machinery for a general audience. This illuminating book explores three key areas: the structure of the U.S. court system, the roles of court personnel, and the journey of cases through the judicial process. By tracing the evolution of American jurisprudence from its English common law roots to landmark cases like Marbury v. Madison, the book provides essential historical context for understanding modern courts. The book's central argument is that an informed citizenry is crucial for the proper functioning of the judicial branch. It progresses logically, starting with an introduction to federal and state court systems, then delving into the roles of judges, lawyers, and other court officials, before walking readers through the life cycle of criminal and civil cases. What sets this book apart is its use of real-world examples and hypothetical scenarios to illustrate abstract legal concepts, making it engaging and relatable. Written in an accessible style that balances academic rigor with conversational tone, ""The U.S. Court 101"" serves as an invaluable resource for students, journalists, and civic-minded citizens seeking to understand the backbone of American justice. By addressing current controversies and encouraging critical examination of the modern judiciary, it empowers readers to become more informed and engaged participants in the democratic process.