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MCP Concepts

Verification Needed

MCP concepts are based on the MCP specification. eCourtDate-specific details may change.

This page covers the key concepts of the Model Context Protocol and how they apply to the eCourtDate integration.

Tools​

Tools are actions that an AI assistant can perform through the MCP server. In the eCourtDate context, tools allow the AI to take actions such as:

  • Send a message: Trigger a notification to a participant.
  • Create a client: Add a new client record to the system.
  • Search events: Look up events by date, case, or participant.
  • Update records: Modify existing case or client information.

Tools are invoked by the AI client and executed by the MCP server against the eCourtDate API.

Resources​

Resources represent data that an AI assistant can read from the MCP server. Examples include:

  • Client records: Access client details and contact information.
  • Event schedules: View upcoming hearings and deadlines.
  • Message history: Review past notifications and their delivery status.
  • Case information: Read case details and associated metadata.

Resources are identified by URI templates and return structured data to the AI client.

Prompts​

Prompts are pre-built prompt templates designed for common agency operations. They help AI assistants produce consistent, accurate outputs for tasks such as:

  • Drafting reminder notifications.
  • Summarizing case activity.
  • Generating compliance reports.

Prompts combine context from eCourtDate resources with instructions tailored to agency workflows.

Server​

The eCourtDate MCP server is the component that exposes tools, resources, and prompts to AI clients. It handles:

  • Authenticating incoming connections.
  • Translating AI requests into eCourtDate API calls.
  • Returning structured responses to the AI client.

See MCP Server Endpoints for connection details.

Client​

The MCP client is the AI application that connects to the eCourtDate MCP server. Examples of MCP clients include:

  • Claude Desktop: Anthropic's desktop application for Claude.
  • Custom AI applications: Any application that implements the MCP client protocol.
  • IDE integrations: Development tools with MCP support.

The client connects to the server, discovers available tools and resources, and uses them to fulfill user requests.