Case files are used as a primary source of data for many of the measures. In some instances, the information in the files is gathered and analyzed to assess the fairness of court decisions in areas such as bail and sentencing. On the other hand, case-related information is also used in Standard 3.1 to determine the extent to which the court adheres to laws and procedures. Here the case-related information is used as a way to verify compliance to laws. The second most common approach is the use of mail questionnaires to assess the views of key participants in the trial court process.
Different measures target different sets of respondents.
For example, Measure 3.3.3 seeks to determine both court employees' and attorneys' assessment of court performance in applying the law. Measure 3.3.1 targets the bar's view of the fairness of court decisions and actions. Measure 3.6.6 examines the views of attorneys toward the adequacy of the court record when cases are appealed. Finally, the three measures related to Standard 3. 2 call for an examination of court records pertaining to the selection of jurors. The lists of potential jurors are compared to other sources of information such as census reports to determine the inclusiveness, randomness, and representativeness of juries.