79% of Americans Say the Justice System is Unfair, New Survey Reveals

Equal Justice Works reveals widespread mistrust in the courts  and confusion about legal rights 

WASHINGTON, DC April 14, 2026 – A new national survey from Equal Justice Works, the nation’s largest facilitator of public interest law fellowship opportunities, finds that 79% of Americans perceive the U.S. justice system as unfair. The survey, titled “Unequal and Unjust: Public Perceptions of the Legal System,” polled 1,600 respondents nationwide. The results raise concerns about whether Americans trust the legal system to protect their rights in moments of need. 

According to the findings, many Americans are uncertain and skeptical about the fairness of the legal system. Specifically: 

• Just 32% of respondents believe the legal system is fair to individuals without legal representation. 

• Only 50% are confident they would receive fair treatment from the justice system and the courts. 

• 62% believe income affects whether courts provide fair justice.   

• Nearly half (49%) believe race affects whether courts provide fair outcomes.   

“When most Americans believe securing justice depends on income and race, we have to be concerned that there’s a significant confidence gap about the legal system,” says Verna Williams, CEO of Equal Justice Works. “At Equal Justice Works, we are committed to restoring confidence by expanding access to legal representation, supporting the next generation of public interest lawyers, and ensuring vulnerable Americans are not forced to navigate critical legal challenges alone.”  

The research also reveals widespread misunderstanding about when Americans are entitled to legal counsel, particularly in civil matters. Many respondents incorrectly believe courts would provide attorneys in cases where legal representation is not guaranteed, for example:  

• 41% of respondents believe they are entitled to an attorney in discrimination cases. 

• 40% believe this to be the case in child custody matters. 

• 35% believe they will receive legal counsel in traffic court. 

In reality, the U.S. Constitution only guarantees a court-appointed attorney to criminal defendants who cannot afford counsel.  

“When people wrongly assume that courts will make legal help available, they end up navigating complex issues alone,” says Mia Sussman, Senior Vice President of Network Engagement.

Many respondents had no idea where to get help, particularly those living in rural areas.  Respondents identifying as LGBTQ+, disabled, Latino, or African American said that fear prevented them from seeking help. 

Overall, these findings indicate that many Americans may lack clarity about how and when legal assistance is available, leaving many unprepared to protect their rights when it matters most. These insights deepen our understanding of the current access to justice landscape and sharpen our path toward equal justice under the law for all. 

Equal Justice Works conducted the survey to better understand public perceptions of the civil justice system and identify gaps in knowledge, access, and trust. These results will help inform ongoing efforts to expand access to justice and support the next generation of public interest lawyers serving underserved communities.  

The survey was conducted online among 1,613 respondents from January 14 – January 22, 2026, with a margin of error of 2% at the 95% confidence level. 

Find the report here. For media inquiries, contact [email protected].