Public confidence in the Superior Court of Los Angeles County is climbing, according to a 2026 poll the court commissioned.
Sixty-seven percent of respondents said they had "a great deal" or "some" trust in the court, up from 64% in 2025 — again the highest rating among the government institutions surveyed. The poll also showed gains in how residents view the court's innovation, transparency and impartiality.
Sixty-one percent agreed the court is committed to protecting individual and civil rights, up from 60%, while 55% agreed it serves as an appropriate check on other branches of government, up from 53%. Among respondents with first-hand court experience, 70% said they were satisfied with the fairness of the process regardless of outcome, up from 69%. Half rated the court's job performance "excellent" or "good," up from 47%. Each gain was modest, but together they mark a consistent upward trend since 2025.
"A cornerstone of the Court's 2025-2028 Strategic Plan is building public trust and confidence in the judiciary," Presiding Judge Sergio C. Tapia II said. He said the priority remains "ensuring equal access to justice through the fair, timely, and effective resolution of all cases."
The poll also flagged room for improvement. Forty-seven percent said the court needs to do better at adopting new technologies and breaking down barriers with the public, down from 49%, while perceptions of inefficiency improved by a net 7 points.
Outside factors weighed on access. Sixty-eight percent said rising gas prices made them less likely to travel to a courthouse, and 57% said they were less likely to appear in person when federal immigration enforcement is near courthouses. While 61% preferred in-person visits, many showed interest in remote options through the court's website (54%), phone (40%) and local offices or kiosks (33%).
On artificial intelligence, 46% expressed general concern about its growing use in daily life, but 57% supported AI tools that help users find information, complete forms or access services. Court Executive Officer David W. Slayton said fostering innovation and improving efficiency remain priorities.
The full poll and information on the court's approach to AI are available on the court's website. The survey of 1,000 Los Angeles County adults was conducted May 7-18, 2026.
Edited by SMDP Staff