This study, undertaken in the summer of 1986, was to develop a comprehensive evaluation and needs assessment for the Alabama Judicial College. Qualitative research techniques (participant observation and in-depth interviewing) were applied to collect the necessary data. Judicial employees were observed in courtroom, office, training and social settings. Judges, secretaries to the judges, court clerks, court reporters, and bailiffs were interviewed. Based on the data collected, a "grounded" evaluation and needs questionnaire was developed. In the process of the study, there was a shift in emphasis from evaluation of past and present programs to perceived future needs. Participants expressed a desire for further education, employee orientations, better relations and coordination with the National Judicial College, and a better way of putting judges into office. The study concluded that the use of qualitiative methods to develop the "grounded" questionnaire was very thorough but time consuming and problematic. A taxonomic diagram of categories of questions with their code abbreviations and a diagram showing the Alabama Judicial System are included. The underlying evaluation questions and sample questions and comments from which they were derived are appended. (JAZ)