The statute of the CEPEJ emphasizes the comparison of judicial systems and the exchange of knowledge on their functioning. The scope of this comparison is broader than ‘just’ efficiency in a narrow sense: it also emphasizes the quality and the effectiveness of justice. In order to fulfil these tasks, the CEPEJ has undertaken a regular process for evaluating judicial systems of the Council of Europe's member states. The 2010 Edition of the report is based on figures from 2008 concerning 45 states.

The countries are compared by expenditure on judicial services, access to justice, ADR, courts systems, lawyers, judges and arbitration. The aim of the report is to highlight strategies to create a more efficient and better quality judicial system in Europe.