Data and Methods in Court Research

Abstract

The methodology of comparison is a key factor for this research agenda. We need to discuss what the specificity of the analysis of judicial politics in the comparative field is (e.g. usually processes are hidden). So, we need to carefully explore the various ways of analysing and comparing judicial politics. Beyond the traditional qualitative and quantitative divide we wish for example to underline the challenge of analysing judicial decisions written in different languages. In regard of empirical support we know little. Therefore, data collection and standardisation is an essential condition for successful comparative research. Data are needed about institutional settings of the countries, about the reviews process, the rulings etc. An evaluation of existing data and a reflection how they could be integrated in a large European database is required. Another fruitful approach seems to connect this database with data from existing comparative projects (e.g. Comparative Agenda Project).

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