Immigration generations and perceptions of American courts: Unpacking complex generational effects

Immigrant perspectives on the criminal justice system have garnered significant scholarly interest in recent years. Yet, the trust levels of different generations of immigrants in American courts remain inadequately explored. Utilising data from the General Social Survey 2018, this study compares the levels of trust in American courts and confidence in the United States (U.S.) Supreme Court among first-, second-, and third-generation immigrants with those of the native-born group. The analysis considers several control variables, such as institutional confidence, general trust, attitudes towards penalties, and demographics. Findings reveal that first-generation immigrants exhibit greater trust in American courts than native-born individuals. Meanwhile, second-generation immigrants display lower confidence in the U.S. Supreme Court compared to their third-generation immigrant and native-born counterparts. All control variables influenced trust in American courts. Confidence in Congress and television, trust in people, age, and educational attainment impacted confidence in the U.S. Supreme Court. Finally, holding immigrant generations constant, Blacks expressed lower trust in American courts and less confidence in the U.S. Supreme Court than Whites, Hispanics, and Asians, and Asians demonstrated lower confidence in the U.S. Supreme Court relative to Whites and Hispanics.