Judicial performance is a socially important issue, however, research in this area still lacks volume and systematic theoretical and methodological that allows the institutionalization of knowledge. To contribute in this direction this study provides a literature review of recent empirical studies on the subject. Empirical studies published between 1992 and 2011, which had as objective to evaluate or measure the performance of the judiciary in many countries, were analyzed. The results show that the concept of judicial performance is multifaceted, multilevel and judges are the key actors. Efficiency and celerity are the more performance dimensions addressed. The findings also indicate that the issue of judicial performance has received scant attention in the field of public administration. A research agenda for future studies is proposed.
Court; magistrate; judicial performance
