A new poll reveals Americans’ faith in the nation’s highest court continues to erode, with over half now expressing little to no trust in the institution.
Summary: A survey by the Annenberg Public Policy Center shows public trust in the Supreme Court has fallen to 44%, the lowest level since polling began in 2005, with sharp partisan divides emerging.
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
The U.S. Supreme Court is facing a crisis of confidence among the American public, according to a new survey conducted by the Annenberg Public Policy Center (APPC) of the University of Pennsylvania. The poll, which surveyed 1,395 adult U.S. citizens between July 12 and August 12, 2024, reveals a continued decline in trust and approval of the nation’s highest court.
The survey found that 56% of Americans now disapprove of the Supreme Court, saying they trust it either “a little” or “not at all” to act in the best interest of “people like you.” This marks a significant shift in public opinion since 2005, when 75% of the public trusted the court.
A Growing Partisan Divide
One of the most striking findings of the survey is the widening partisan gap in perceptions of the Supreme Court. The poll revealed a 47-point spread in trust between Republicans and Democrats, with 71% of Republicans, 41% of independents, and only 24% of Democrats expressing trust in the court to act in their best interest.
Matthew Levendusky, University of Pennsylvania political science professor and director of the survey, commented on this trend:
“This underscores how Dobbs has fundamentally shifted views of the court. For many years, the court was held in high esteem by all Americans across partisan lines, but no more – that polarization emerged after Dobbs, and the court’s rulings since then have done little to change these perceptions.”
Key Findings
The survey highlighted several concerning trends:
- One in three Americans (34%) say they trust the court “not at all” to act in their best interest, up from 30% in May 2024 and a mere 7% in 2005.
- Overall trust in the court stands at just 44%, with only 8% expressing “a great deal” of trust and 11% “a lot” of trust.
- Support for potential reforms to the Supreme Court remains high, with 83% supporting prohibiting justices from participating in cases with personal or financial interests, and 75% backing the creation of a formal ethics code.
- In key swing states (Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin), favorability towards the court has dropped 31% since 2021, primarily due to decreased support from Democrats and independents.
The Dobbs Effect
The survey results suggest that the court’s 2022 Dobbs decision, which overturned Roe v. Wade, has had a lasting impact on public perception of the institution. This landmark ruling appears to have transformed the Supreme Court from a primarily legal institution to one increasingly viewed through a political lens.
The APPC researchers noted in a recent journal article that the court had previously been “afforded greater public trust and legitimacy than other institutions” due to its perceived independence and adherence to legal norms and processes. However, the Dobbs decision seems to have shaken this foundation.
Implications for the Court’s Future
The declining public trust in the Supreme Court raises important questions about the institution’s long-term legitimacy and effectiveness. As the survey shows, there is growing support for various reforms, including:
- Mandatory retirement age (71% support)
- Term limits for justices (68% support)
- Allowing public votes to overturn controversial decisions (50% support)
- Increasing the number of justices (32% support)
These findings suggest that the American public is increasingly open to significant changes in how the Supreme Court operates, potentially in response to its perceived politicization.
Looking Ahead
As the Supreme Court continues to tackle contentious issues that divide the nation, rebuilding public trust will likely be a significant challenge. The growing partisan gap in perceptions of the court may make it increasingly difficult for the institution to maintain its role as an impartial arbiter of the law in the eyes of the public.
The APPC survey serves as a wake-up call, highlighting the need for the Supreme Court to address concerns about its independence and impartiality. Whether through self-imposed reforms or external changes, restoring public faith in this crucial institution will be essential for maintaining the delicate balance of the U.S. democratic system.
Quiz: Test Your Knowledge
- What percentage of Americans now disapprove of the Supreme Court according to the survey? a) 44% b) 56% c) 71% d) 75%
- How much has favorability towards the court dropped in key swing states since 2021? a) 22% b) 31% c) 47% d) 56%
- What percentage of Americans support creating a formal ethics code for Supreme Court justices? a) 50% b) 68% c) 75% d) 83%
Answers:
- b) 56%
- b) 31%
- c) 75%
Further Reading
- Annenberg Public Policy Center
- Full survey topline and methodology
- “Has the Supreme Court become just another political branch?” in Science Advances
Glossary of Terms
- Dobbs decision: The 2022 Supreme Court ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade, eliminating the constitutional right to abortion.
- Institutional legitimacy: The perceived rightfulness and appropriateness of an institution’s authority and actions.
- Partisan divide: The gap in opinions or beliefs between members of different political parties.
- Favorability: A measure of how positively or negatively people view an institution or individual.
- Ethics code: A set of principles and rules governing the behavior of individuals within a profession or institution.
- Term limits: Restrictions on the length of time an individual can serve in a particular position or office.
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