National justice survey 2017: issues in Canada's criminal justice system

To inform policy develop, public engagement and communications, and to support its mandate, the Department of Justice commissions periodic national surveys to explore Canadians' perception, understanding and priorities on justice-related issues.

This 2017 survey focuses on views and perceptions of the criminal justice system (CJS), in order to inform the ongoing criminal justice system review being undertaken by the Minister of Justice. It seeks to engage with people in all regions of Canada and to promote government transparency and openness. Specifically, the study explores Canadians’ views and perceptions of:

Sentencing (e.g., judicial discretion, sentencing considerations, guidelines) Mandatory minimum penalties (MMPs) Administration of justice offences (AOJOs) Use of diversion/alternative measures Restorative justice and problem-solving approaches to justice Performance measurement and confidence in the CJS.