Designed to assist the public in understanding the judicial system and judicial process in Alabama, this handbook (1) presents an overview of Alabama's courts and their jurisdictions, (2) identifies the officers of the courts and the contributions each makes to the judicial process, and (3) narrates in general terms the procedures most common to the processing of civil and criminal cases. Separate sections focus on the following topics: the Alabama courts, civil cases, criminal cases, trials, appeals, judicial discipline, and judicial administration. A glossary of legal and judicial terms is included. Although the handbook is devoted to Alabama's legal system, it can serve as a model for those teaching about judicial procedures in other states. (LH)