A new Afrobarometer survey has revealed that three in four Sierra Leoneans cannot afford to take a case to court, exposing deep inequalities in access to justice. The March–April 2025 report also shows that fewer than half of citizens believe ordinary people can obtain justice through the courts.

While a narrow majority think court cases are generally resolved fairly, the findings highlight persistent concerns about corruption and bias. More than a third of respondents said most judges and magistrates are corrupt, and nearly half believe penalties for the powerful are too lenient.

Sierra Leone’s justice system has long grappled with limited funding, understaffing, and inadequate infrastructure. Despite government reforms aimed at improving fairness and access, public confidence remains low amid continuing perceptions of corruption, trial delays, and unequal treatment under the law.