Key indicators for justice: evidence-based research for policy-making

Government policy-making is a complex and challenging activity. Academic knowledge can help inform, design and improve policy-making. However, policy-makers and academics interact rarely. They are part of two disconnected cultures and realities. The purpose of this study is to show how a close relationship between policy-makers and researchers, clear objectives, and transparent research methods are fundamental conditions to successful and impactful formation of policy. This work contributes to an ongoing reflection on policy-driven research through the presentation of a specific case study in the field of Justice. This case consisted on investigating the most relevant indicators to understand the importance of the Justice sector for economic development and growth using a multi-method investigation that combined quantitative and qualitative analysis, conducted by a multi-disciplinary research team.