Includes bibliographical references and index.

Foundations of law in the United States -- The federal judicial system -- State judicial systems -- Jurisdiction and policymaking boundaries -- State judges -- Federal judges -- Policy links among the citizenry, the president, and the federal judiciary -- Lawyers, litigants, and interest groups in the judicial process -- Crime and procedures prior to a criminal trial -- The criminal trial and its aftermath -- The civil court process -- Decision making by trial court judges -- Decision making in collegial courts -- Implementation and impact of judicial policies -- Policymaking by American judges : a synthesis.

"Known for shedding light on the link between the courts, public policy, and the political environment, the 12th edition of Judicial Process in America will provide a comprehensive overview of the American judiciary. Considering the courts from every level, the authors thoroughly cover judges, lawyers, litigants, and the variables at play in judicial decision making"--