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- Title
Public Confidence in Criminal Justice in Canada: A Comparative and Contextual Analysis.
- Authors
Roberts, Julian V.
- Abstract
Public confidence in criminal justice has emerged as an important issue in most western nations. Several jurisdictions have made promoting public confidence a policy priority, and governments in many countries have recently conducted public opinion surveys to gauge levels of confidence in criminal justice. However, little is known about levels of public confidence in criminal justice in Canada. This article reviews the empirical research on this issue and attempts to explain current trends. Although a significant plurality of the public expresses little confidence in the justice system, more people are positive than are negative. In comparison to other countries, confidence levels in criminal justice are generally higher in Canada. This said, the public has less confidence in the justice system than in other public institutions such as the health care system. Consistent with findings elsewhere, the police attract most, and the prison system the least amount of public confidence. The article places these findings in context, and discusses their implications for research and policy.
- Subjects
PUBLIC opinion; PUBLIC support; POLITICAL opposition; POLITICAL attitudes; CRIMINAL justice system; CONVICTION rates; SITUATION ethics; ECONOMIC trends; CRIMINAL law
- Publication
Canadian Journal of Criminology & Criminal Justice, 2007, Vol 49, Issue 2, p153
- ISSN
1707-7753
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.3138/RN84-2371-2482-MR06