Includes bibliographical references (p. 169-176) and index.

Canada's courts in context -- Public participation in the justice system -- Inclusiveness -- Responsiveness of courts to expectation: independence, behaviour, and administration -- Responsiveness of judicial decisions to Canadian democracy -- The courts and democracy.

"The Courts provides a well-informed account of the judicial system and its place in democratic life. Ian Greene offers an insider's perspective on the role of judges, lawyers, and expert witnesses; the cost of litigation; the representativeness of juries; legal aid issues; and questions of jury reform. He also examines judicial activism in the wider context of public participation in courts administration and judicial selection and of how responsive the courts are to the expectations of Canadian citizens." "The Courts moves beyond the well-trodden topics of judicial appointment, discipline, independence, and review to consider the ways in which courts affect daily life in terms of democratic principles. Although courts are often viewed as elitist and unaccountable, they are more valuable aspects of democratic practice than most citizens realize."--BOOK JACKET.