ABSTRACT
This chapter presents findings from an experimental research study mounted by the British Home Office in 2000. The study contributed to a cross-departmental government strategy to promote public confidence in the criminal justice system (CJS) of England and Wales. It arose out of recognition of the low public ratings given to many aspects of the criminal justice system and the particularly low ratings commanded by sentencers. Research evidence suggested that public ignorance about the justice system would act as a considerable constraint on attempts to rebuild public confidence in it. Surveys in the UK and elsewhere had consistently shown how poor public awareness was in this area (Doob and Roberts, 1988; Indermaur, 1990; Tarling and Dowds, 1997; Hough and Roberts, 1998; Morgan and Russell, 2000; Mattinson and Mirrlees-Black, 2000). The public tends to overestimate crime rates and underestimate the severity of current sentencing practice. Moreover, these beliefs are correlated with negative attitudes towards the courts and sentencers in particular (Hough and Roberts, 1998). Those who have a more accurate understanding tend to be more positive in their attitudes, suggesting that education may be an effective method of promoting confidence in the system (Mirrlees-Black, 2001).
