This book carefully and realistically introduces and evaluates American law by combining elements of the theoretical with elements of the practical. It examines the overall nature of modern American justice--both civil and criminal--focusing the reader's attention on fundamental principals and drawing comparisons between the U.S. and foreign legal systems. In describing the processes, participants and institutions of the American judicial system, coverage emphasizes the objectives of each figure at each stage, the strategies that are employed, and the social benefits and drawbacks that accrue from their efforts.