Each of the seven subject sections of the volume begins with an introductory overview and a bibliography of research sources. Much of its focus is on the way judges are chosen, compensated, and removed from office, but it also lists the appellate and trial courts in each state and the number of judges sitting on each court. Most of its information is condensed from data in State Court Organization 1993 and State Court Caseload Statistics . Several sources provide a more general, narrative introduction to state courts. Charts on state court structures and caseloads are included, and each chapter includes a lengthy list of articles and books for further study.
Extensive footnotes provide references to cases and other sources.
From time to time law reviews publish symposium issues on the role of state courts in the legal system. Works of national scope can only generalize on state court procedures, so it is usually helpful to find resources focusing on a specific court system. Several state governments have published guides to their court systems. Most of these are short pamphlets with history, charts showing court organization and the processes in civil and criminal proceedings, and perhaps a short glossary of legal terms. More material such as this is becoming available from state court administrators.