Race, Ethnicity, and Experience: Modeling the Public's Perceptions of Justice, Satisfaction, and Attitude Toward the Courts

The purpose of the present study is to examine the influence that race, ethnicity, and experience with the courts has on the interconnection between justice, satisfaction with the courts, and attitudes toward the courts. Using national level polling data, the results show that different forms of justice coalesce into a latent measure of justice. Further, the results show that Blacks are less likely than Whites to see justice in the court system, while those with more experience with the courts are likely to be satisfied with the courts. Racial and ethnic differences exist in attitudes toward the courts. Policy implications are discussed.