What's happened
A recent AP-NORC poll shows about a third of Americans have little confidence in the Supreme Court, down from 43% three years ago. Confidence has increased among Republicans and independents, but views remain more negative than before the Dobbs ruling. Public opinion remains divided along partisan lines.
What's behind the headline?
The slight increase in confidence among certain groups masks persistent deep divisions in public opinion about the Supreme Court. The data reveals that Republicans and independents are more satisfied with the court's recent decisions, which have favored conservative policies such as overturning Roe v. Wade and restricting environmental regulations. Conversely, Democrats remain largely distrustful, especially after the Dobbs ruling, which significantly eroded their confidence.
The perception of partisanship in judicial decisions is widespread, with about 8 in 10 voters believing that partisanship influences rulings 'frequently' or 'sometimes.' This perception fuels skepticism about the court's neutrality and legitimacy.
The court's recent rulings, including limiting federal judges' powers and endorsing presidential immunity, have been celebrated by conservatives but criticized by liberals for undermining the rule of law and judicial independence. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson's dissent highlights fears that the court's actions could hasten the decline of governing institutions.
The survey indicates that roughly 40% of Americans believe the court has 'too much' power, a figure that has risen notably among Democrats. This growing distrust could influence future political dynamics and public engagement with judicial processes.
Overall, the data suggests that while some groups are becoming marginally more confident, the court remains a highly polarized institution, with its legitimacy and influence heavily contingent on partisan perceptions and high-profile decisions.
What the papers say
The AP News articles from July 23 and July 25 provide contrasting perspectives on the court's public perception. The July 25 piece emphasizes the slight rise in confidence among Republicans and independents, highlighting the court's recent conservative victories and their popularity among certain voter segments. It notes that only 8% of Republicans view the court negatively, compared to 56% of Democrats, whose confidence has slightly improved but remains low.
In contrast, the July 23 article underscores the ongoing skepticism, with about a third of Americans still having little confidence in the court, and nearly 8 in 10 voters perceiving partisanship in decisions. Justice Jackson's dissent and the concern about the court's growing power reflect deep fears about the erosion of judicial neutrality.
Both articles agree that partisan divides dominate perceptions of the court, but they differ in tone: one highlights a modest improvement in confidence, especially among conservatives, while the other emphasizes persistent distrust and concerns about partisanship. This divergence illustrates the complex and polarized nature of public opinion regarding the judiciary today.
How we got here
The survey reflects ongoing public skepticism towards the U.S. Supreme Court, especially after the Dobbs decision overturning abortion rights. Confidence levels have fluctuated over recent years, influenced by high-profile rulings and partisan debates. The court's conservative majority has produced landmark decisions aligning with Republican priorities, impacting public perception.
Go deeper
Common question
-
Why Do Many Americans Lack Confidence in the Supreme Court?
Public confidence in the U.S. Supreme Court has been fluctuating, with recent polls showing only about a third of Americans trusting the institution. This decline raises questions about what influences public perception, how partisan views shape opinions, and what this means for the future of the judicial system. Below, we explore the key factors behind these trends and answer common questions about the court's reputation today.
More on these topics
-
Subramanian Karthick Ramakrishnan, typically published as S. Karthick Ramakrishnan or Karthick Ramakrishnan, is an American political scientist, currently a professor of public policy and political science at the University of California, Riverside.
-
Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.