In this provocative work, Martin Shapiro proposes an original model for the study of courts, one that emphasizes the different modes of decision making and the multiple political roles that characterize the functioning of courts in different political systems.
A highly enlightening and insightful work, Courts: A Comparative and Political Analysis critically evaluates some long-held assumptions about courts by giving a brief but thorough historical analysis of the functioning of courts in different jurisdictions. This book, and especially its first chapter (which compromises about one third of the book), should be mandatory literature for all law students even remotely interested in their subject. This is a scholarly work written by an acclaimed law professor though, and as such is a tough read. However, it's worth the time if you look for a novel and out-of-the-box take on courts.