NEWCOMER AND RACIAL MINORITY PERCEPTIONS OF THE CANADIAN CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: RESULTS FROM A 2007 TORONTO SURVEY Scot Wortley and Akwasi Owusu-Bempah

RESEARCH QUESTIONS 1) Do immigrants and racial minorities evaluate the performance of the police and criminal courts differently than native-born Canadians? 2) Do immigrants and racial minorities perceive more bias in the justice system? 3) Do immigrant perceptions of the justice system vary by time spent in Canada? 4) Do other personal characteristics and experiences explain racial differences in perceptions of the justice system.

THE DATA 2007 survey of 1,522 Toronto adults (18 years of age or older). Stratified sample designed to produce a representative sample of black, Chinese and white residents (over 500 respondents from each group). Response rate=73%

Mean Scores on Police and Court Evaluation Scales, by Length of Time in Canada

Mean Scores on Police and Court Evaluation Scales, by Race

Mean Scores on Police and Court Bias Scales, by Length of Time in Canada

Mean Scores on Police and Court Bias Scales, by Race

Mean Score on Police Bias Scale, by Race and Time in Canada

Multivariate Analyses: Significant Predictors Race and Immigration Status Age Education Social Class Record of arrest Marijuana use Police stops Vicarious Police Contact

Discussion Questions Why do some Canadians evaluate the police and courts more highly than others? Why do some Canadians perceive bias in the justice system? What are the consequences of negative perceptions? How can we improve perceptions?