"[a]ny matters investigated by the police or matters that are settled at trial before the courts."9 But also, it can be said that, according to the context of the terms,10 the actual rules applicable to provisional measures give both words the same meaning, as is evident when one notes that the Convention refers to "matters,” with regard to the Court only in the transcript of Article 63(2), in contrast, it uses the word "case," in singular or plural, in five of its provisions.11 this patter is repeated in the Statute of the Court, where, although in three of its provisions it refers to "matter," in one example it does so in relation to the President’s duties12 and, in the other two, in reference to contentious jurisdiction.13 Furthermore, in a fourth provision, the term “case” is used.14 And, in the Rules of Court, the same thing can be seen because while the word "case" is used in 27 articles,15 "matter" is used only in the provision concerning the authority of the Court to order provisional measures at the request of the Commission,16 in "matters” yet to be submitted to (its) consideration." But even regarding the latter provision, it should be borne in mind that it comes after reiterating17 the provisions of Article 63(3) of the Convention and before stipulating that in "contentious cases under [its] consideration," the victims or their representatives may request provisional measures, in such a manner that this rule does not contradict, but quite the contrary, the interpretation in any way such that the words "matter" and "case" are for these purposes, synonymous. Consequently, not only the Convention, an agreement between States and an autonomous and foremost source, therefore, of the rule applicable to this matter, states 9 10 Idem. Art. 31(1) quoted above. 11 They refer, respectively, to the right to appeal before the Court (Art. 57), to its jurisdiction (Art. 61), to the obligation to annually inform the OAS General Assembly of its work (Art. 65), the binding nature of its judgments (Art. 68(1)) and the notification of its judgments (Art. 69). 12 That may well relate to the Court's advisory role and even administrative matters (Art. 12(2)). 13 Obstacles and incapacities of the judges in contentious matters (Art. 19(1), 2 and 3) and the attendance of the Commission in the trials held before the Court (Art. 28). 14 Annual report that should be issued to the OAS General Assembly (Art. 30). 15 In the articles concerning definition of amicus curiae (Art. 2(3)) and judge (Art. 2(17)), decisions and voting (Art. 16), continuation of judges in their roles (Art. 17), national judges (Art. 19), ad hoc judges in interstate cases (Art. 20), obstacles, recusals and disqualification (Art. 21), official languages (Art. 22), State representation (Art. 23), participation of the alleged victims or their representatives (Art. 25), State cooperation (Art. 26), joinder of cases and proceedings (Art. 30), publication of judgments and other decisions (Art. 32), initiation of proceedings (Art. 34), submission of the case by the Commission (Art. 35), interAmerican defense (Art. 37), preliminary review of the presentation of the case (Art. 38), notification of the case (Art. 39(1) 39(2) and 39(4)), brief containing pleadings, motions and evidence (Art. 40(1) and 40(2)), the State's answer (Art. 41(2)), preliminary objections (Art. 32), other steps in written proceedings (Art. 43), amicus curiae arguments (Art. 44(1) and 44(3)), disqualification of expert witnesses (Art. 48(1)b, d, e) and hearing (Art. 51(1) and 51(10). 16 Art. 27(2) of the Rules of Procedure. 17 Art. 27(1) of the Rules of Procedure. 3