Public Confidence in Courts and Judges Deciding in Child Protection Cases: A Cross-National Study of Public Support

In an era of rising populism and increased threats to judicial independence, understanding the factors that influence public support for courts is crucial. Maintaining public trust in courts and judges is essential for compliance with decisions, and the effectiveness and legitimacy of the judicial system. This study examines public confidence in courts and judges making decisions in child protection cases across 41 countries, providing a comprehensive analysis of the input and output factors that shape confidence in the judiciary. Our research uses survey data from representative samples from 41 countries, 41,942 respondents, to explore the drivers of public confidence in family court judges. We focus on two primary explanatory variables: basic values and political orientation. These factors are examined in relation to respondents' reported levels of confidence in judicial decision-making within child protection. The study addresses several key questions: 1. How do basic values, such as attitudes towards authority, family, and individual rights, correlate with confidence in child protection judges? 2. To what extent does political orientation influence public trust in judicial decisions regarding child welfare? 3. Are there significant cross-national variations in the factors that shape public confidence in this specific judicial context? This research contributes to the broader understanding of public support for courts by focusing on a specific and sensitive area of judicial decision-making. The findings have implications for how courts and child protection systems can work to maintain and enhance public confidence, potentially buffering against political interference and ensuring compliance with judicial decisions. By identifying the key drivers of public confidence in child protection judges across diverse national contexts, this study provides valuable insights for policymakers, judicial systems, and child welfare agencies seeking to strengthen their legitimacy and effectiveness in the face of populist challenges.