Research by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) showing that only half of South Africans believe the courts are fair and impartial is perhaps not that alarming in itself, as this sort of level of distrust in the justice system is common elsewhere in the world.
What is worrying is that those most disenchanted with the courts are young and socially disadvantaged — in other words, the bulk of South Africa’s population. Their negativity, the HSRC warns, could have a “damaging effect on the legitimacy of the courts” and the lack of confidence in them leaves little room for complacency.
Source: Business Day live (BDlive)