"JURIST": A framework for the creation of interview protocols in qualitative legal research

Abstract

Qualitative legal research is increasingly used to examine how law operates in practice, yet legal researchers often face difficulties when moving from doctrinal analysis to empirical interviewing. A major challenge is the absence of a discipline-specific framework for developing interview protocols that preserves legal precision while meeting qualitative and ethical standards. This article introduces JURIST, a structured framework for interview protocol development in qualitative legal research. The framework was developed through a conceptual framework-development approach. Relevant literature on doctrinal and empirical legal studies, socio-legal interviewing, sampling, research ethics, instrument design, pilot testing and transcription was purposively reviewed. Recurring methodological requirements were extracted, compared and thematically consolidated, then iteratively sequenced to reflect the practical workflow of a qualitative legal study. The resulting model comprises six interconnected stages: (i) Juridical Foundation, (ii) Unit and Sampling, (iii) Research Ethics, (iv) Instrument Design, (v) Simulation (Pilot Testing) and (vi) Transcription Strategy. Its internal coherence and practical applicability are demonstrated through two illustrative legal studies scenarios concerning illegal homestays and social-media commerce. The JURIST framework offers a transparent and adaptable structure for linking legal doctrine to empirical inquiry, strengthening alignment between research questions and interview questions, and addressing ethical and data-management risks. As a conceptually derived framework, it provides a foundation for future application and empirical evaluation across different areas of qualitative legal research.