The institutes provide training to trial and appellate judges, prosecutors, defenders, and court administrators. The study sought to develop quantitative measures of training impact, to measure the differential impact of the various training institutes and their programs, and to determine the cost effectiveness of the individual programs in meeting their objectives, as well as to determine the impact on the criminal justice system. The evaluation included personal interviews with training participants and comparison and peer-supervisor groups at 12 sites throughout the country. Mail questionnaires were also used to survey some participants and a subsample of institute-related persons. In addition, evaluators made site visits to and attended training sessions given at each institute. The final report sets forth findings and recommendations concerning each objective discussed. It also contains a 'how to' manual, which describes the basic procedures of conducting an ongoing evaluation of courts training programs. Tables and footnotes are included. A bibliography of approximately 130 references is also provided. Case studies and survey instruments are appended. (Author abstract modified)