How the Public Views the State Courts (1999 National Survey)

Authors

Date of this Version

5-14-1999

Comments

BY THE NATIONAL CENTER FOR STATE COURTS FUNDED BY THE HEARST CORPORATION INTERVIEWS.

CONDUCTED BY Indiana University, Public Opinion Laborator.

SURVEY DESIGNED AND ANALYZED IN COLLABORATION WITH University of Nebraska Public Policy Center and Scientific Resources for the Law, Inc.

PRESENTED AT The National Conference on Public Trust and Confidence in the Justice System, May 14, 1999, Washington, DC.

Abstract

Table of Contents:
A REPORT ON THE NATIONAL SURVEY by Frank A. Bennack, Jr., President & Chief Executive Officer, The Hearst Corporation
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
INTRODUCTION
RESEARCH METHODS
FINDINGS
TRUST, CONFIDENCE AND APPROVAL
Public Trust and Confidence in America’s Institutions
The Manner in Which Courts Handle Cases
INVOLVEMENT, KNOWLEDGE, INFORMATION SOURCES, AND THE MEDIA
Personal Involvement
Self-Rated Court Knowledge
Sources of Information Regarding News and the Courts
Media Portrayal of Courts
COURT PERFORMANCE: THE PUBLIC’S EVALUATION
Court Access
Timeliness of Courts
Equality and Fairness of Courts
Perceptions of Equal Treatment
Court Independence and Responsiveness
CONCLUSION