Interim studies are designed to give legislatures the opportunity to explore complex issues, review recently enacted legislation, and monitor mandates given to executive agencies, without the pressure surrounding a legislative session. The Center for State Policy Research surveyed all 50 State legislatures for the 1994 Interim Studies Report; 39 States conducted formal interim studies that dealt with such topics as health and human services, the judiciary, economic development, environment and natural resources, education, energy, transportation, agriculture, labor, and consumer affairs. Studies focusing on health and human services and the judiciary ranked first in interim study topics. With respect to the judiciary, 18 States reported they are studying difficulties associated with the juvenile justice system. States are taking immediate action to combat violence among young people, with tighter gun control laws, tougher sentencing for violent and repeat juvenile offenders, alternative sentencing and rehabilitation for nonviolent offenders, and juvenile justice system reform. Many States are looking at ways to prepare children for school, encourage strong families, and develop job programs that prevent violence. A list of judiciary subtopics covered by States in the interim study reports is provided. Footnotes, tables, and figures