The latest Afrobarometer survey has shown that 43% of Gambians think that most or all judges and magistrates in the country are corrupt, while 46% express a lack of trust in the judiciary.
The survey results indicate that less than half of Gambians have confidence in the courts, believe that average citizens can achieve justice, or feel capable of affording legal proceedings. A significant number of respondents voiced worries regarding inequality within the legal system and the belief that influential individuals who violate the law frequently evade consequences.
“Less than half (46%) of those surveyed indicate that they have a level of trust in the courts that falls under ‘somewhat’ or ‘a lot.’” Over 40% of citizens (43%) believe that “most” or “all” judges and magistrates are corrupt. A significant portion (56%) of Gambians believe that individuals are “often” or “always” subjected to unequal treatment under the law. Nearly six out of ten individuals (59%) believe that officials who violate the law often escape consequences. The survey revealed that nearly half (48%) of respondents believe judges and magistrates “often” or “always” make decisions influenced by powerful individuals rather than adhering strictly to the law.
The survey indicated that a significant majority (80%) of Gambians believe the death penalty is an appropriate punishment for the most serious offences.
Confidence in the justice system is notably low, as just 44% of respondents believe that ordinary citizens who have been wronged can achieve justice in court. Only 34% think they could obtain legal advice, and merely 31% feel they could afford to pursue a legal issue in court. Furthermore, just 39% believe their cases would be resolved justly, while 38% feel they would be addressed in a timely manner. The awareness of legal aid services remains notably low, as only 10% of Gambians report being aware of the legal aid options available in their communities.
“Less than half (44%) of Gambians express that they feel “somewhat confident” or “very confident” that ordinary individuals who are wronged can achieve justice in the courts. Approximately one-third of citizens indicate that they might be able to locate legal advice (34%) and afford to pursue a legal issue in court (31%), if needed. Approximately 40% believe that such a case would be resolved justly (39%) and within a reasonable timeframe (38%). The survey indicated that merely 10% of respondents are aware of the legal aid services accessible in their community.
In addressing legal disputes, merely 2% of Gambians indicated that they would turn to a lawyer or local court for assistance. In contrast, 31% would reach out to the police, while others would look for help from elders or traditional leaders (20%), family members (16%), or religious leaders (6%).
Afrobarometer is a pan-African, non-partisan survey research network that offers dependable data on African experiences and assessments of democracy, governance, and quality of life.
