A thorough revision of a tried and true classic, the seventh edition of Judicial Process in America offers a comprehensive study of the American judicial system that integrates new scholarship and original research. Including analysis of the courts at all levels, the authors cover judges, lawyers, and litigants, as well as the powerful variables that influence judicial decision making, effectively linking the courts to public policy. In response to feedback from adopters, the authors have increased their coverage of state courts and further explore the impact of race, gender, and socio-economic factors on the judiciary. Discussion of the ideological impact of George W. Bush’s judicial appointments, including two new Supreme Court justices, and inclusion of recent cases on end-of-life issues, property rights, and gay and lesbian rights bring the book fully up to date.

1. Foundations of Law in the United States

2. History and Organization of the Federal Judicial System

3. History and Organization of State Judicial Systems

4. Jurisdiction and Policy-making Boundaries

5. State Judges

6. Federal Judges

7. Policy Links between the Citizenry, the President, and the Federal Judiciary

8. Lawyers, Litigants, and Interest Groups in the Judicial Process

9. Crime and Procedures Prior to a Criminal Trial

10. The Criminal Trial and Its Aftermath

11. The Civil Court Process

12. Decision Making by Trial Court Judges

13. Decision Making in Collegial Courts

14. Implementation and Impact of Judicial Policies

15. Policymaking by American Judges: A Synthesis

Glossary

Annotated Constitution of the United States

Subject Index

Case Index

"Students like this book, and so do I. It is smartly and clearly written. The book is substantial enough to build an entire course around. I have found that its logical organization connects the chapters easily to other readings; this makes it easy to assemble supplemental materials around the flow of the chapters. In every new edition you can see recent research reflected in its pages. Altogether a student--and teacher--friendly text."

“Judicial Process in America provides a wonderful approach to studying the courts and judicial process. The authors clearly lay out the structure, process, important players, and the political and societal influences involved in American courts. Carp, Stidham, and Manning incorporate a sound mix of contemporary and classic judicial research to support their well-rounded thesis. Undergraduate students find the book understandable yet challenging. The straightforward approach, without the glossy ‘fluff’ found in other texts, makes the book appropriate for upper-level undergraduates or beginning graduate students."

“I have used Carp and Stidham's Judicial Process in America every time I have taught a course on the American criminal court system. The book is exceptionally comprehensive and it covers all aspects of the judicial process without getting bogged down in some of the intricate details of the inner workings of courts as other textbooks do. The authors provide basic information supported by current examples in a format that is easy for undergraduates to read and understand. Although a wide range of topics is covered, the effect of politics on the judicial process is stressed throughout the book, which is an important aspect of the judiciary that is not given enough attention in other texts. In my opinion, Judicial Process in America is the best textbook on the market today for introducing the basic concepts of and abstract ideas about the judicial branch of government in the United States.”

Robert A. Carp is professor of political science at the University of Houston. He is coauthor of Policymaking and Politics in the Federal Courts; Politics and Judgment in Federal District Courts; The Federal Courts, Fourth Edition, with Ronald Stidham; and numerous articles.

Ronald Stidham is professor of political science/criminal justice at Appalachian State University. He is coauthor with Robert A. Carp of The Federal Courts, Fourth Edition, and has written numerous articles on the federal courts.

Kenneth L. Manning is assistant professor of political science at the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth. His research focuses on American politics, with a particular emphasis on judicial politics. He has authored or coauthored numerous articles on the politics of judicial decision making and the federal judicial confirmation process.