Get Cause List Available Dates

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Adds behavioral traits beyond annotations: 'Free endpoint (no credit charge, authentication required)' and 'At least one parameter is required' (a constraint not fully captured in schema). Annotations already declare readOnly, idempotent, and non-destructive, so the description complements without contradiction.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

Three sentences, no wasted words. Purpose stated first, then usage constraints, then practical guidance. Extremely efficient for the information conveyed.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given no output schema, the description appropriately explains the return value (dates) and its intended use. It also mentions authentication and free credit usage. It adequately covers the necessary context for a simple lookup tool.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema coverage is 100% with descriptions like 'State code, e.g. DL'. The description adds meaning by explaining that at least one parameter is required and that the output dates are intended for use with ecourts_search_causelist, enhancing the understanding of parameter purpose.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

Clear verb-resource combination: 'Get dates for which cause list data is available'. The description explicitly states filtering by location, and the tool's purpose is distinct from sibling tools (ecourts_search_cases, ecourts_get_case), which deal with case data.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

Provides explicit context: 'Use the returned dates with ecourts_search_causelist to avoid empty searches.' Also states the prerequisite that at least one parameter is required. However, it does not contrast usage with siblings or specify when not to use the tool.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.