Legitimacy, trust and legal cynicism: a review of concepts

We review the concepts of legitimacy, trust, and legal cynicism in context debate about police discuss extent to which these relate each other, offer some early, speculative thoughts on a how relational model legitimacy can extend beyond procedural justice concerns. Relying upon theory, we emphasise distinction between legitimation: popular is defined as public beliefs that authority has right rule (people acknowledge oral appropriateness authority) govern recognise rightful authority), whereas legitimation related criteria people use judge normative agents’ exercise power (e.g., officers are trustworthy behave accordance with people’s expectations). Building studies socialisation, consider other aspects conduct send negative messages value within society undermine their judgements – oppression, marginalisation, neglect over life course. conclude suggesting avenues for future research public-police relations.