Court Ethnographies

This chapter provides an introduction to ethnographic research on criminal courts, focusing on the scientific and policy objectives in this diverse field. A central theme is that court ethnographers in observing hearings and interviewing practitioners have a choice in employing analytic strategies that focus on “micro” and “macro” level of analysis. Landmark studies conducted in the United States and United Kingdom are summarized, locating these in their political and intellectual context. Practical issues are reviewed including obtaining access, ethics approvals, and data analysis. The chapter also considers future trends and issues: internationalization of this field, practical contributions to understanding criminal justice, and policy implications for debates about social justice. Ethnographers can assist in evaluating emerging philosophies and court-based practices, and new types of specialist courts.