There’s one law for the rich and another for the poor

According to a study by the Angus Reid Institute, 74% of Canadians agree that there’s one law for the rich and another for the poor.

The idea for there being a different set of laws for the rich and the poor comes from the perception that the legal system treats people with money more favourably than those without money, due to access to better legal services — wealthier people will generally have access to better lawyers who may help reduce or suspend their sentences.

According to Equal justice Under Law, a nonprofit organization dedicated to achieving equality in the criminal justice system and ending cycles of poverty across the United States, “the justice system is premised on the notion that the rich and the poor are treated equally. But today, access to justice is based on how much a person can pay.”

The study found agreement with the sentiment among large majorities of Canadians in every province, all age groups, education and income levels, and across all party lines (except among those making over $200,000 per year, where just a slim majority of 54% agrees). For the complete table of results, please see page 3 in the report here.

'There is one law for the rich and one for the poor'

Agree: 74%
Disagree: 19%

Angus Reid / October 13, 2022 / n=1618 / Online

— Polling Canada (@CanadianPolling) November 7, 2022

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