Book excerpt: This book describes the structure and functions of state and federal judicial systems within the United States. The primary mission of the book is to introduce beginning law students and lawyers from other countries to the basics of the federal and state court systems of the United States, but sufficient detail is provided to make the book a handy reference source for anyone doing research on American courts. The appendices present detailed information about the judicial personnel and different structures of the federal and state courts. This new edition reflects the changes in case management procedures, court personnel, and, in some instances, state court structure that have been made over the past decade to deal with changes in the types and numbers of cases being filed with the courts.