NCJ Number
117565
Date Published
1988
Length
130 pages
Annotation
Washington residents' knowledge of and attitudes toward the State judicial system were explored in January-February 1988.
Abstract
Interviews with 800 respondents revealed that Washington residents generally had a low level of awareness and knowledge of the State court system. Residents generally felt people were treated fairly by the system, and they appeared to have confidence in State courts and judges. Nearly half the adult population rated the State court system favorably. Problem areas identified by residents included the cost of going to court, the time taken to receive a decision, the treatment of poor versus wealthy people, lenient sentences, and overloaded courts. Areas suggested for improvement involved court efficiency, responsiveness, protection of society, and competence. Familiarity with the State court system appeared to have either a neutral or positive impact on public attitudes toward and level of confidence in the State court system. Most residents reported some experience with State courts, the most common experience types being professional contact with a lawyer, being an observer during a court proceeding, and having been to court for a traffic or parking violation. Differences in public attitudes toward the State court system were evident when specific experiences of victims, witnesses, defendants, parties to civil suits, and jurors were examined. Most residents indicated that men and women were treated fairly, and most felt cameras should not be allowed in the courtroom. Specific recommendations to enhance public knowledge of Washington's judicial system are offered. Detailed tabular data on study findings are included, and an appendix lists the Washington counties encompassed by the study.