Public trust in the justice system has been diminishing, with only 30% of Australians expressing faith in the country’s courts according to a recent poll. This lack of trust is often attributed to concerns about violent criminals being let out on bail or receiving light sentences when found guilty. Additionally, inconsistencies in legal judgments and the perception that financial backing plays a significant role in seeking justice further erode confidence in the system. The adversarial nature of the legal process, where truth can take a back seat, also contributes to this lack of trust.
The high incidence of serious offenses committed by individuals on bail has played a significant role in diminishing faith in the ability of the courts to assess the dangers posed by alleged offenders. Celebrity cases where individuals receive lenient sentences or have convictions not recorded also contribute to public skepticism about the fairness of the justice system. Until these issues are addressed, Australians’ faith in the legal system is likely to remain diminished, with concerns about the integrity and effectiveness of the system persisting.
One key factor in the lack of trust in the justice system is the perception that justice is primarily accessible to the rich and the poor, while those in the middle may struggle to seek redress. The ability of individuals to afford legal representation, engage in lengthy court battles, and consider appeals can create an imbalance in the pursuit of justice. This perception that justice is not equally accessible to all further erodes public confidence in the fairness and impartiality of the legal system.
There is a call for accountability and effective change in addressing the overrepresentation of Aboriginal individuals in the prison population, with 31% of the NSW prison population being Aboriginal despite representing less than 4% of the Australian population. Initiatives to empower Aboriginal communities and involve them in decision-making processes have been lacking post-referendum, highlighting the need for government agencies and officials to do more to address these disparities and ensure meaningful progress towards closing the gap.
There is a distinction between the role of the justice system in administering the law and the public’s expectations of receiving “justice.” Criticisms of media sensationalism and the public’s perception of injustice can erode confidence in the legal system that has stood the test of time. It is important to recognize the function of the judiciary and legal processes in upholding the rule of law and to reassess expectations and perceptions of justice delivery to maintain public trust and confidence in the system.
Tony Burke’s heavy ministerial workload has been contrasted with the multiple secret ministries of Scott Morrison, highlighting the transparency in government decisions that inform the public. While concerns about the distribution of ministerial responsibilities exist, the openness in communicating these changes is seen as a positive step towards accountability and public awareness of governmental decisions. This transparency in governmental actions can contribute to building trust and credibility in the political system and decision-making processes.
