Trust in the Justice System as an Institution

Abstract

This paper contemplates the state of drift in the public’s feeling and trust in the justice system that has the authority to interpret the law using the World Values Survey data from 1981 to 2013. This study will show that the trust in the justice system as an institution has changed over time and over geographic region. Citizens trust judges when they feel they get a good return on their tax dollars and when the rule of law is upheld such that liberties they hold dear are preserved. While involvement per person varies, the justice systems rulings can still be measured and experienced. News of legislation rather than interpretation and application of the law creates a perception of inferior performance on the part of the courts. The purpose of the judicial system is to preserve the liberties and rights of citizens. This is carried out through processes that achieve outcomes from various court hierarchical structures that help citizens to seek justice, that deter citizens from engaging in unlawful activities, and that provide constraints regarding the treatment of other citizens. By leveraging the World Values Survey data, this study shows trends in trust over time in the justice system across generations and geographies.