The eighth edition offers an updated and streamlined examination of the American system of law, courts, and justice.

Part I (Law) reviews the history of courts and justice, common law and civil law systems, as well as law schools and legal education. Part II (Courts) discusses lawyers and the practice of law; unravels the structure and administration of federal and state court systems; delineates the appellate process, the Supreme Court, and judicial review; and describes the roles of judges, prosecutors, and criminal defense attorneys. Part III (Justice) demystifies the criminal justice process, negotiated justice, civil justice, juvenile justice, and alternative forms of justice.

Throughout the book, landmark cases, important historical events, illustrative examples, and boxed items highlight or expand chapter content. Each of the twelve chapters concludes with an extensive summary, a list of key terms, and review questions. There is also a glossary that provides a summary of important terms.