The Functions of Courts in the United States, 1950-1980

Despite increased research into court operations, reliable knowledge about court functions continues to be scant. Case volume has grown, but court dispositions account for a small part of all dispute resolutions. Most matters which reach disposition in court end at some stage of trial court proceedings. Judges also continue to be makers of general public policy. Common law growth has dwindled. But courts contribute much to the content of public policy through their interpretation of statutes and their review of executive and administrative action. Judicial review of the constitutionality of legislation has declined sharply in fields centered on the economy, while expanding in areas of civil liberties.