Fewer than half of all Oregonians have faith in the American justice system, according to a new survey conducted by DHM Research.

The poll found that only 49 percent of state residents believe the system is working to determine guilt beyond a reasonable doubt in criminal cases. Forty-one percent say it is not working and 11 percent don’t know. Even fewer — 43 percent — believe the system is working to settle disputes between private parties, such as individuals and businesses. Forty percent say it is not working and 17 percent don’t know. The lack of faith is reflected in beliefs about the role of juries in the system, says John Horvick, vice president and political director of DHM Research.

And the ACLU of Oregon has been conducting a public information campaign to educate residents about what the ACLU says is the unchecked powers of county district attorneys. Overall confidence in district attorneys dropped 15 points since last year’s survey, although it is still at 55 percent, Horvick says.