Most people either don't vote for judges, or automatically vote for the incumbent. Critics, however, fear the publication is too quick to jump on judges who don't subscribe to conservative beliefs. Houghton said she pushes no political agenda beyond protecting public safety and ensuring that guilty criminals receive swift punishment. Courtwatch also endorses judges based on patterns of rulings. The newsletter does unabashedly rally for the death penalty.
Biographical information is provided about judges up for re-election.
Mrs. Houghton started Courtwatch in 1994 out of frustration with the snags in the prosecution of two men accused of abducting and killing Mrs. Houghton's son, Michael, and a friend in October 1987. Accused killers Robert Lambert and Scott Hain were found guilty, but their convictions were overturned based on a legal loophole. They were convicted and sentenced to death in their second trials. Mrs. Houghton said her experience with the courts prompted her to start monitoring the courts and publicizing their actions. Bruce Walker, former executive director of the Oklahoma District Attorneys Council who has written guest articles for Courtwatch, said the publication fills a unique niche.