This outline covers the history and organization of the federal and state judicial systems; the criminal and civil court processes; the background, qualifications, and selection of federal judges; the role of other participants (lawyers, defendants, interest groups) in the judicial process; and the implementation and impact of judicial policies.

Introduction

History and Organization of State Judicial System

History and Organization of the Federal Judicial System

Lawyers, Litigants, and Interest Groups in the Judicial Process

U.S. Criminal Court Process

U.S. Civil Court Process

Federal Judges

Implementation and Impact of Judicial Policies

(This is a product of the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://iipdigital.usembassy.gov/iipdigital-en/index.html)