Summary
Public trust in the U.S. Supreme Court has plummeted to its lowest level since 2005, with more than half of Americans—56%—expressing disapproval of the court following its 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. This decline in confidence is largely attributed to perceived partisanship and controversial rulings that have polarized public opinion.
The Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization ruling, which revoked the constitutional right to abortion, has significantly impacted how Americans view the court, leading to a sharp increase in distrust. Surveys show that trust among Democrats has decreased dramatically, with only 24% expressing confidence in the court’s actions, compared to 71% of Republicans. This stark partisan divide reflects broader concerns about the court’s legitimacy and its role in political matters. According to the Annenberg Public Policy Center, the court’s approval rating dropped from 68% in 2019 to just 46% in 2022, and despite a slight rebound, it has continued to decline, reaching 44% in August 2024.
Key Findings from Recent Surveys
- Trust Levels: Trust in the Supreme Court has decreased from 68% in 2019 to 44% in 2024. A significant portion of the public now indicates they trust the court “not at all” (34%).
- Partisan Discrepancies: The gap in trust between Republicans and Democrats has widened, with 71% of Republicans expressing confidence compared to only 24% of Democrats.
- Public Perception: A majority of Americans support reforms aimed at increasing accountability for justices, including term limits and an enforceable code of ethics.
Implications of Declining Trust
The erosion of trust in the Supreme Court poses challenges for its authority and effectiveness. As public perception shifts, the court may find it increasingly difficult to operate without scrutiny or to maintain its role as an impartial arbiter of justice. The ongoing debate about judicial ethics and potential reforms highlights the urgent need for the court to address these concerns to restore public confidence.
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Oct. 2 / Phys.org / Provides a detailed analysis of the ongoing decline in public trust in the Supreme Court, with specific focus on the partisan divide that has emerged post-Dobbs, reinforcing the need for judicial accountability reforms. “ October 2, 2024 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlightedthe following attributes...
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Oct. 2 / Stltoday / Reports on the criminalization of pregnancy, detailing how over 200 women faced charges in the year after Dobbs, presenting a sobering view of the legal landscape for pregnant individuals in various states. “ In the year after the U.S. Supreme Court dismantled the constitutional right to abortion in June 2022, more than 200 pregnant women faced criminal charges...
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Oct. 2 / Stltoday / Discusses the surge in pregnancy-related criminal cases post-Dobbs, emphasizing the troubling intersection of law and reproductive rights, and highlighting the need for a compassionate approach to maternal health. “ In the year after the U.S. Supreme Court dismantled the constitutional right to abortion in June 2022, more than 200 pregnant women faced criminal charges...
Former Florida Judge Backs Supreme Court Changes
Oct. 1 / Newsweek / Presents a critical perspective on the ethics and accountability of the Supreme Court, advocating for reforms to ensure greater transparency and public trust, while addressing contemporary challenges facing the judiciary. “ Term limits for U.S. justices would not reduce judicial independence and could enhance accountability, according to Barbara J. Pariente, former chief justice...
200+ women faced criminal charges over pregnancy in the year after Dobbs: report
Oct. 1 / Raw Story / Explores the implications of the Dobbs decision on pregnancy-related prosecutions, revealing a concerning trend where women are charged under child neglect laws, often without evidence of harm to the fetus. “ In the year after the U.S. Supreme Court dismantled the constitutional right to abortion in June 2022, more than 200 pregnant women faced criminal charges...
Trust in Supreme Court drops to record low in new poll
Oct. 2 / The Hill / Highlights the alarming decline in public trust in the Supreme Court post-Dobbs, drawing on comprehensive polling data to underscore the deepening partisan divide and the urgent need for accountability reforms. “ Public trust in The Supreme Court is at a record low, with more than half of Americans disapproving of the nation’s highest court since its decision to...
Since Roe fell, hundreds of pregnancies have become crimes
Oct. 1 / Dailykos / Sheds light on the broader societal implications of charging women for pregnancy-related conduct, emphasizing the potential for increased stigma and reduced access to necessary health care services. “ Donald Trump is currently bragging about having ended the constitutional right to abortion while simultaneously—and creepily—declaring himself a great “...
OK represents nearly one-third of pregnancy-related prosecutions a year after Dobbs
Oct. 1 / Raw Story / Investigates the legal ramifications of fetal personhood laws in Oklahoma, revealing how such statutes create a precarious situation for pregnant individuals and contribute to an environment of fear and criminalization. “ Oklahoma had the second-highest number of pregnancy-related prosecutions nationwide in the year after Roe. v. Wade was overturned, according to a new study...
More Women Charged With Pregnancy-Related Crimes Since Roe's End
Sep. 25 / Newsweek / Analyzes the significant number of pregnancy-related prosecutions in Oklahoma, examining the state's application of child neglect laws to pregnant individuals and the chilling effect on access to care. “ More women have been charged with other pregnancy-related crimes since the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022, a new study has found. Most women were not...
Manchin+Sinema drag VP, call filibuster's defense of Dobbs "Holy Grail of democracy"
Sep. 26 / Dailykos / Highlights the significant increase in pregnancy-related criminal charges since the Dobbs decision, linking the trend to broader issues of fetal personhood and the implications for women's rights and health care. “ The US Constitution has several very anti-democratic features, the Senate and the electoral college being two obvious examples. It is hard to overstate just...