Independent public-policy researchKentucky
The Kentucky Center
for Judicial Transparency

Methodology & legal tech

Traceable sources.
Explicit limits.

A research framework built around primary materials, transparent methods, and human review.

01 / Research process

Start with a question.
Follow the evidence.

Each project identifies the rule being studied, its effective date, the evidence needed to assess it, and the limits of the available record.

Our planned audit method cross-references applicable Kentucky Administrative Regulations, including 922 KAR Chapter 1, with lawfully accessible case-management records and documented outcomes. The purpose is to test for possible administrative departures and structural patterns. This site does not yet present a completed outcome dataset or systemic findings.

922 KAR Chapter 1 · Child Welfare ↗

  1. Define the scope

    Identify the research question, jurisdiction, time period, and criteria before interpreting a sample.

  2. Collect primary sources

    Begin with statutes, regulations, court rules, official agency policies, and records lawfully available for the proposed use.

  3. Preserve the reference

    Record the issuing body, document title, effective or publication date, retrieval date, and supporting page or section.

  4. Test the interpretation

    Check contrary evidence, gaps, and alternative explanations. A missing record alone does not establish a violation.

  5. Publish with limits

    Explain what was reviewed, how it was selected, what it supports, and what remains unresolved.

02 / Publication standards

Make the basis visible.

KCJT’s publication framework calls for the following information in each research brief.

Scope & questionWhat the research examines.
Sources & datesWhere the evidence comes from.
Method & selectionHow materials are reviewed.
Findings & limitsWhat the record can support.
Relevant interestsPersonal involvement or other interests.
CorrectionsChanges and their reasons.
Documented facts, reported concerns, research interpretations, and unanswered questions must remain distinguishable.

03 / Technology & AI

Tools assist.
People verify.

Advanced language models may assist with synthesizing complex administrative codes, searching public materials, extracting text, organizing sources, and drafting summaries. Every published citation and quotation must be checked against its source. AI output is not evidence and does not independently establish a legal conclusion.

KCJT is evaluating research software. No affiliation with or endorsement by a technology vendor is implied.

Initial technology evaluations are planned around public, nonsensitive materials. Access restrictions and disclosure authority must be assessed before any other material is used.

04 / Corrections & relevant interests

Accountability applies
to our own work.

The publication framework requires disclosure of personal involvement relevant to a topic and documentation of material corrections. Systemic claims require a defined sample and an explanation of what that sample can support.

Our research contact channel is being prepared. Until it is activated, you can prepare a source-based inquiry using the draft tool.

Prepare a research inquiry ↗