As a result of reading this chapter, you will be able to

• Explain the methods and purposes of the adversarial court system
• Explain court jurisdiction and how it is determined
• Identify the purpose and process of state appeals courts
• List the functions of the various tiers of the federal court system, including appeals courts
• Relate the activities that occur during the pretrial process as attorneys prepare for trial
• Delineate the trial process, from opening statements through conviction and appeal
• Discuss the impact of new technologies on the courts