Courts are funded by governments and maintain a particularly sensitive relationship with executive government. They also interact constantly with the diverse publics making up civil society.

The variations of civil society are found in diverse legal and social traditions emanating from Europe, including the division between civil law and common law. Local traditions and other international influences interact with these legal forces. Globalization and the demands of international trade and human rights are leading to some convergence, it has been argued, among these traditions. Some of these claims and influences are considered as

International influences

Within a particular national or local community, courts interact with publics in various ways. They seek to maintain 'public confidence' yet they must stand above the political clamour of vocal majorities.

Courts and the public

Interactions take place at the level of client services: courts provide a dispute resolution and law enforcement service for citizens. They must be responsive to the needs of their clients, and monitor their responses to those needs. This is considered under the heading of

Quality assurance