NCJ Number
219331
Journal
Canadian Journal of Criminology and Criminal Justice Volume: 49 Issue: 2 Dated: April 2007 Pages: 153-184
Date Published
April 2007
Length
32 pages
Annotation
After reviewing the empirical research on levels of public confidence in criminal justice in Canada, this article explains current trends.
Abstract
The research indicates that although a significant plurality of the Canadian public expresses little confidence in Canada's justice system, the majority of the public has a positive view of the criminal justice system. Compared to public confidence in the criminal justice systems in other countries, the level of confidence in Canada's criminal justice system is higher. Consistent with findings in other countries, the public has the most confidence in the police and the least confidence in the prison system. A disturbing finding is that the Canadian public has less confidence in the justice system than in other public institutions, such as the health care system. There are a number of reasons, however, why it is unreasonable to expect confidence or performance ratings of criminal justice to match those attached to other public institutions. The justice system has a more complex mandate and must respond to the interests and needs of multiple parties. Offenders, victims, and the families of both groups have rights and needs that sometimes conflict. Other public institutions have single goals that do not generally conflict with the goals of those receiving services. There is also a strong ideological component to public evaluations of the criminal justice system. In addition, lack of public awareness of the nature of the justice system contributes to the low confidence levels associated with some branches of criminal justice. The answer to low levels of public confidence in the justice system lies in addressing gaps in public knowledge about various policies, operations, and effects of justice system components. 7 tables, 20 notes, and 59 references