Do people believe in the liberal principles of criminal law? Explanatory factors and consequences for trust in and legitimacy of courts and police in the UK

Do citizens believe in principles such as the presumption of innocence, due process, and proportionality of punishment, among others? This study presents findings on Public attitudes to liberal principles of criminal law (PALPCL) in the United Kingdom. A quantitative approach was employed using an online survey design with a proportional quota sample (n= 416). The results show that support for these principles is not homogeneous: some principles enjoy high levels of public endorsement, while others face more critical levels of support. In addition, sociodemographic, ideological, and psychological factors are found to influence levels of support. In turn, adherence to these principles shapes trust in and the perceived legitimacy of the criminal justice system (police and courts).  

Bio: I am a Chilean sociologist, Master in Social Research (Universidad de Concepción, Chile), and a PhD in Law (U. of Edinburgh). Currently I´m an Assistant Professor and director of the Department of Sociology at Universidad de Concepción, Chile, and also principal investigator in the research "Does the public believe in the principles that underpin criminal justice in Chile? A mixed-methods study on its explanatory factors and political-criminal consequences" funded by National Fund for Scientific and Technological Development (Regular FONDECYT). My research areas encompass criminology, sociology of law, public opinion and crime, and research methods.