The first section of the book includes judges' answers to questions posed by a host of elementary and middle school visitors to the Superior Court of California, in the County of San Francisco. The questions range from how the courts work, treatment of prisoners, and what it takes to become a lawyer and a judge. The questions are serious, some light hearted, a few of them odd. Some were difficult to answer. The second section of the book collects a series of columns written for the California Council for the Social Studies. These address in a more systematic way the operation of the courts. Teachers will find them useful as they seek to augment their curricula and integrate an understanding about the courts into other course work, such as that in English, Social Studies, and History. The essays are also aimed at adults looking for a solid introduction to the courts, the role of judges and juries, appeals, family and juvenile courts, alternative dispute resolution and constitutional rights, among other topics. The book is designed to help our young and older citizens, our future voters and leaders of the state of California, have a good understanding of the critical role our courts play in the guarantees of a free, open, and democratic society. If we do not understand how our courts work, we will not be able to protect them; and without effective, independent courts, the promises of the Constitution are nothing but faint words on old paper. Every generation must learn anew the genius that is the American system of government, including the crucial role of the third branch of government-the courts-where rights are guaranteed, disputes resolved, and the law is enforced.