CIVIL SOCIETY, JUSTICE, AND PUBLIC TRUST IN CONTEMPORARY GOVERNANCE

Abstract

Contemporary democratic governance in Asia faces persistent challenges of institutional mistrust and social injustice. This paper examines the contribution of civil society to rebuilding public trust in government through the advancement of justice mechanisms. Drawing on normative theories of justice, including Rawls’s justice as fairness and communitarian critiques, as well as Kantian principles of autonomy, the analysis explores how civic organizations, community movements, and participatory forums embody ideals of fairness and respect for persons. Institutionalist frameworks concerning legal access and governance design are reviewed to demonstrate how civil society can address gaps in formal justice provision. The central argument is that when civil society actors promote procedural fairness and substantive equity in ways consistent with Rawlsian and Kantian norms, institutional legitimacy is reinforced and public trust is strengthened. The discussion highlights illustrative cases such as citizen councils and NGO watchdogs aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals on justice, particularly SDG 16, showing how inclusive and justice-oriented participation contributes to stronger institutions. The qualitative analysis relies on secondary data drawn from the provided literature and situates the theoretical frameworks within an Asian context. The findings indicate that linking justice and trust requires both normative commitments to fairness and practical reforms, including improved access to courts, anti-corruption efforts, and community-based health initiatives. The paper concludes that civil society engagement in justice practices, guided by the theories of Rawls, Sandel, Kant, and related scholars, plays a vital role in enhancing public trust and supports policy recommendations that empower civic actors in line with SDG targets on peace, justice, and strong institutions.