Morocco’s Justice Reforms Boost Public Trust, but Barriers for the Vulnerable Remain
Over the past decade, Morocco has embarked on an ambitious effort to reform its justice system, framing access to justice as a constitutional right rather than a privilege. Anchored in the 2011 Constitution, which guarantees equal access to justice regardless of social or economic status, the reform agenda has sought to modernise courts, strengthen judicial independence and rebuild public confidence in the rule of law.
The cornerstone of this effort was the 2013 Charter for Judicial System Reform, which aimed to curb corruption, improve efficiency and reinforce human rights protections. More recently, the government has deepened this push through the MA-JUST reform programme (2024 – 2027), implemented with support from the European Union and the Council of Europe. The programme places particular emphasis on vulnerable groups, reflecting a growing recognition that justice systems are only as strong as their ability to serve those with the least resources.
At a practical level, reforms have introduced digital tools to modernise court operations, expand access to legal information and improve coordination among judicial institutions. Investments in judicial statistics are helping central authorities identify systemic weaknesses, while efforts to improve physical access to courts aim to reduce the everyday obstacles faced by citizens seeking redress.
These changes appear to be reshaping public perceptions. Findings from a special Afrobarometer survey module on access to justice show that a majority of Moroccans believe ordinary people can obtain justice through the courts. Public trust in the judiciary has risen sharply in recent years, and perceptions of corruption have declined, even though many citizens still believe that some judges and magistrates remain corrupt. Most respondents also say people are treated equally under the law and that political interference in judicial decisions is uncommon—an important signal of growing confidence in judicial independence.
Yet, the survey also highlights persistent social divides. While many believe justice is theoretically available, large numbers doubt they could personally afford to take a case to court. Awareness of legal-aid services remains low, limiting the impact of reforms intended to help poorer and marginalized communities. For these citizens, the promise of justice often collides with financial and informational barriers.
Critics argue that deeper structural problems continue to undermine progress. Human rights organisations have raised concerns about fair-trial violations, prolonged police custody, overcrowded prisons and allegations of torture or degrading treatment. Long-standing calls by lawyers and civil society groups for the release of prisoners convicted on the basis of coerced confessions underscore the gap between legal reform and lived experience. Morocco’s ranking of 92nd out of 142 countries on the 2024 World Justice Project Rule of Law Index reflects these unresolved tensions.
Public opinion also reveals complex social attitudes. Despite reforms aimed at strengthening rights protections, a majority of Moroccans continue to support the death penalty for the most serious crimes, highlighting the challenge policymakers face in balancing human rights norms with prevailing public sentiment.
Overall, Morocco’s justice reforms have delivered measurable political and social gains, particularly in public trust and perceptions of equality before the law. But the next phase of reform will need to focus less on institutions alone and more on people, ensuring that vulnerable citizens not only believe in justice, but can realistically access it.
