A recent poll conducted by Quinnipiac University found that 71 percent of young Americans, ages 18 to 34, believe that the Supreme Court is “mainly motivated by politics.” According to the same poll, only 25 percent of young Americans believe the Court is “mainly motivated by the law.”
The perception of the Supreme Court as a politically motivated body is a threat to America’s democratic and institutional norms. From an institutional perspective, the Court’s validity is rooted in its respect for the law and its ability to reach principled decisions. If that validity comes into question, the legitimacy of the Court and its decisions will also be questioned, propelling the nation into an unprecedented crisis. This potential legitimacy crisis may also tempt the political branches to alter the federal courts in a way that is seen as politically favorable, further eroding the public’s faith in the judiciary’s independence.
WHITE......
COLLEGE DEG
Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Yes No
Mainly politics 55% 45% 63% 55% 52% 57% 47% 58%
Mainly law 38 49 29 39 41 35 48 36
DK/NA 8 6 8 6 7 8 6 6
AGE IN YRS.............. WHITE.....
18-34 35-49 50-64 65+ Men Wom Wht Blk Hsp
Mainly politics 71% 61% 49% 47% 48% 55% 52% 65% 63%
Mainly law 25 35 44 42 47 37 42 28 26
DK/NA 4 4 7 11 5 7 6 8 11
Mainly Mainly
Pol Law DK/NA
May 22, 2019 55 38 8
Jul 02, 2018 50 42 7
