What do Britons want from justice reform? Read our new report.
David Gauke's landmark sentencing review makes a bold case for change – but what do the public want from criminal justice reform? The Common Ground Justice Project has today published new research with More in Common based on polling and conversations across the country with voters, victims and people with lived experience of prison and probation.
What emerges is a country ready for change, with views more complex than the popular framing of ‘tough’ vs ‘soft’ justice. Key findings include:
Public and victim confidence in the justice system has collapsed, with criminal justice now ranking alongside the economy, the NHS and immigration as a top priority for reform.
Nearly two-thirds (64%) say the justice system needs ‘major’ change.
While there are key differences between groups, most people want a system that delivers better punishment, accountability, fairness and contribution by people convicted of crimes. This is the emerging common ground for reforms that can command widespread support.
The public segment whose views differ most sharply from the rest of the country (Progressive Activists) are notably overrepresented in policy and communication roles in the public and charity sectors.
On the use of prison and community sentences:
The public have little enthusiasm for the government's prison-building plans, with a majority (59%) wanting some funds diverted to community alternatives.
People are open to new ideas, but struggle to imagine credible alternatives. Concrete examples that speak to core values (like compulsory employment with tagging) were met with widespread support.
Support for expanding community sentences was highest among victims of crime, with 69% backing their greater use.
The will for change is clear. But to harness it, greater efforts are needed to find new ways forward that feel concrete, that chime with public values and are properly resourced.
For us, this is just there first step. In the coming months, we’re excited to dig deeper, to reveal more about a path to restore public confidence – even national pride – in the British justice system. Read the full report here:
https://www.moreincommon.org.uk/our-work/research/course-correction/