Indicators of Justice

The first of two volumes presenting the results of an 18-month study of the use of statistical performance measures in the context of felony proceedings. The study's primary focus was on the selection, estimation, and analysis of performance measures as statistical devices that aid in interpreting data drawn from court system operations. The secondary focus was on performance measures of the court system as viewed through the eyes of lay participants in the felony proceedings--victims, other witnesses, jurors, and defendants. The objectives were (1) to identify, screen, and evaluate the performance measures as indices of progress, and (2) to demonstrate the applicability of these measures in two selected (county) jurisdictions. This report summarizes and synthesizes the approach, the methods used, and the overall findings, and draws general implications for jurisdictions interested in applying the approach. This volume is intended mainly for officials and practitioners--judges, prosecutors, and defense counsel. (See also R-1918-DOJ).