State of the State Courts: 2024 public opinion poll findings
Each year, we survey the public to assess confidence in state courts, emerging trends, and opportunities for judicial innovation. Our 2024 report highlights modest gains in public trust, growing support for AI and technology in courts, and increasing interest in alternative legal service providers to bridge the justice gap.
Who should read this?
- Judges & court administrators: Understand public perception and areas for innovation
- Policy makers & legal reformers: Explore trends in public trust and access to justice
- Media & researchers: Analyze shifts in confidence and support for technology in courts
Why this report matters
Public perception of the courts is evolving. This report provides critical data on public confidence, identifies gaps in court accessibility, and explores how technology and innovation can modernize the justice system.
Estimated report reading time: 12 minutes
Key findings from the 2024 survey
Public trust is rebounding
For the second consecutive year, confidence in state courts has modestly improved, though challenges remain.
Support for court innovation
The public overwhelmingly supports artificial intelligence (AI) tools for translating documents, simplifying legal language, and improving access.
Expanding legal services
60% of respondents favor allowing trained legal professionals to handle straightforward legal matters.
Bridging the access to justice gap
Fewer than 30% of respondents feel courts provide sufficient resources for self-represented litigants, highlighting a gap in accessibility. Meanwhile, 60% support licensing trained legal professionals — a sign that public attitudes are shifting toward alternative legal service providers to improve justice access.
Trends shaping state courts
Discover more public opinion
Explore in-depth findings on public trust, court innovation, and the future of legal services.
