This book provides theory, comparison, and synthesis to establish a carefully considered framework for approaching the study of courts and their functions throughout the world of the ancient Maya. It is based on the annual meeting of the American Anthropological Association.

This book discusses courts at specific centers and areas, presenting data from major research projects. It examines the beginning of the Copan dynasty and the possibility of its foreign origin. The book addresses the functions and meanings of thrones, referring to archaeological data from Uaxactun.