Judicial Process: Law, Courts, And Politics In The United States

Judicial Process: Law, Courts, and Politics in the United States

Working within the framework of law and politics, JUDICIAL PROCESS combines detailed information about the major structures and processes of the American judiciary with an insider's understanding of the importance of courthouse dynamics. From the organization and procedures of the various courts to the current applications of specific laws, this text explores the roles and impact of the judicial system. Throughout the text, the authors not only explain what the legal rules are but also explore each rule's underlying assumptions, history, and goals--for a complete and balanced look at the role of the judicial system today.Review"The emphasis on the winnowing process from grievance to settlement and from crime to sentencing is really useful. It helps the instructor put courts into the entire conflict-resolution process. . . . There is just the right combination of facts and ideas on the one hand and challenging issues facing courts on the other.""The text is very readable, making it accessible to a very broad range of student capabilities. The coverage of topics is outstanding, leaving very little room for complaint that some important matter is not dealt with. Finally, the additional materials scattered throughout the text make it a far more interesting and informative text than would be the case were it to simply provide information about the various topics covered.""[JUDICIAL PROCESS features] consistent focus on linkage between law and politics; comprehensive and accurate content; accessible approach for undergraduates (that is, not too theoretical but yet theoretical enough to allow for and promote abstract and critical thinking by readers).""It has a good comprehensive overview of the American legal system. It appears very extensively researched. And has extensive links for students who wish to do follow-up research."About the AuthorDavid William Neubauer has taught at the University of Florida, at Washington University in St. Louis, and most recently at the University of New Orleans. In addition to this best-selling text, he is the author of DEBATING CRIME: RHETORIC AND REALITY, and BATTLE SUPREME: THE CONFIRMATION OF CHIEF JUSTICE JOHN ROBERTS AND THE FUTURE OF THE SUPREME COURT, both from Wadsworth. His articles have appeared in a wide array of scholarly journals, including Law and Society Review, Judicature, Policy Studies Journal, and Law and Policy Quarterly. Dr. Neubauer's current research interests include nominations to the Supreme Court and religion in public life.Stephen S. Meinhold is Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington where he teaches classes on Judicial Politics, Constitutional Law, the Presidency, and Research Methods. Dr. Meinhold recently published the new Wadsworth title BATTLE SUPREME: THE CONFIRMATION OF CHIEF JUSTICE JOHN ROBERTS AND THE FUTURE OF THE SUPREME COURT. Professor Meinhold's current research focuses on college students' use of attorneys, their plans to attend law school, and their attitudes about the legal system. He has published articles in POLITICAL RESEARCH QUARTERLY, SOCIAL SCIENCE QUARTERLY, JUSTICE SYSTEM JOURNAL, and PS: POLITICAL SCIENCE AND POLITICS.