thoughts on law

I'd really like to speak with lawyers - no I don't want advice, I just want to learn about the practical application of the the differences between civil code and common law. I'm reading a lot lately trying to develop some ideas and there seems to be a different approaches taken to trials and the judiciary role in the continental system versus the commonwealth and I'd like to explore the continental views... I'd like to hear about first hand experiences. And I want to develop some other ideas but in order to do so I have to research... but I've never researched any legal issues or statistics outside of the US and would appreciate an orientation/introduction/overview over here... call it what you want, I want someone to hold my hand for a few minutes and walk me through the steps, sources, etc. If I'm continuing in academics and with a degree program that is strictly academic then I should have the chance to delve more deeply in to strictly academic issues... but if we're going to switch to a practical degree then I'd like a better understanding of practical application... either way, I want to talk with someone who has the time and patience to talk with me.