Nearly three-quarters of Moroccans say they trust the country’s courts, according to a new Afrobarometer survey that points to rising confidence in the judiciary despite persistent concerns about affordability and access to legal aid.
The nationwide survey, conducted by Global for Survey Consulting, interviewed 2,400 adults and found that 73% believe ordinary people can obtain justice through the courts, more than double the 34% recorded in 2013.
About 72% of respondents said they expect a fair outcome if they take a case to court, while 58% believe the process would be timely. However, fewer than half, 45%, said they could afford to pursue a case through the judicial system.
Awareness of legal-aid services remains limited, with only 31% of respondents saying they know such services exist. When faced with a legal problem, 55% said they would turn to the police, 12% to family members, and just 10% to a local court.
The survey also indicates a decline in perceived corruption within the judiciary, although concerns persist. A majority of respondents, 57%, still believe that some judges and magistrates are corrupt.
At the same time, most respondents said abuses such as unequal treatment under the law (59%), impunity for officials (54%), and undue influence over judges (57%) are rare, even if some believe these practices still occur.
On criminal justice, the survey found that 70% of Moroccans consider the death penalty to be a fair punishment for the most serious crimes.
Afrobarometer is a pan-African research network that conducts public opinion surveys on democracy, governance and social conditions across the continent.
add your comment
Terms of publication : Not to offend the writer, people, sacred things, or attack religions or the divine self, and refrain from racist incitement and insults.