The Judiciary and the Public: Judicial Perceptions

36 Pages Posted: 17 Mar 2022

See all articles by Kathy Mack

Kathy Mack

Flinders University - School of Law

Sharyn Roach Anleu

Flinders University - Department of Sociology

Jordan Tutton

Flinders University - School of Law

Date Written: August 2018

Abstract

The relationship among the judiciary, public attitudes, public confidence and the institutional authority of courts in a democracy is complex. It is frequently asserted that courts depend on public confidence for the effectiveness and, indeed, legitimacy of judicial authority. Drawing on national interviews and surveys with Australian judicial officers, this article considers the judiciary's views about the nature and prevalence of public attitudes. It investigates individual judicial and institutional responses to perceived public criticism and commentary and considers activities aimed at affirmatively promoting improved public knowledge of courts and judicial work. Understanding the judiciary's own perceptions and attitudes generates important insights into the nature and limits of communication between courts and the public.

Keywords: Courts, Australia, public confidence, empirical research, interview, survey, judges, magistrates, criticism, media

Suggested Citation

Mack, Kathy and Roach Anleu, Sharyn and Tutton, Jordan, The Judiciary and the Public: Judicial Perceptions (August 2018). Adelaide Law Review (2018) 39(1): 1–35, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4057697

Kathy Mack (Contact Author)

Flinders University - School of Law ( email )

Adelaide S.A. 5001
Australia
+08 8201 3627 (Phone)

Sharyn Roach Anleu

Flinders University - Department of Sociology ( email )

Adelaide, S.A, 5001
Australia
+61 8 8201 2122 (Phone)
+61 8 8201 3521 (Fax)

Jordan Tutton

Flinders University - School of Law ( email )

Adelaide S.A. 5001
Australia

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