COURT WATCHING
For Organizations and the public
Observing Arraignments and Bail Hearings can be extremely useful for two key reasons: 1) The courtroom dynamics change and is more accountable when community is present and 2) Monitoring and sharing the activities of court actors across the state can give the Public an informed snapshot of the California Court System. Follow our steps below to begin Court Watching in your local court.
1. attend our webinar
Sign up on our Eventbrite to attend our next training webinar on how to get the most out of court watching and have the most impact in the courtroom through a Participatory Defense framework. Once signed up, you will be contacted with registration information. For additional information or questions, you can email
2. download the form
Attached is a template to help guide your documentation of court proceedings. Memorializing what was discussed in the Arraignment can be significant to ensuring your loved ones rights are being exercised and court actors are acting in accordance of the law. All of the information gathered should be input into the appropriate Google Form link so that it can be analyzed. This pdf is printable.
Attached is a template to help guide your summarization of Arraignment court proceedings. This tally form is designed to help us gather stats about what is going on in court with regards to bail. All of the information gathered should be input into the appropriate Google Form link so that it can be analyzed. This form is supposed to be a template that will help you gather the appropriate information. This pdf is printable.
Attached is a template to help guide your documentation of Bail Hearings. Documenting what is covered in Bail Hearings can ensure our loved ones rights are being upheld as well as documenting what arguments court players are making. All of the information gathered should be input into the appropriate Google Form link so that it can be analyzed. This pdf is printable.
3. submit your forms
Fill out this Google Form to submit your Arraignment Court summary. Gathering our notes from across the state can create data that reveals the holes of our courtrooms and can lead to larger policy change. Note: Fill out one form per Arraignment Court Session
Fill out this Google Form to submit your court observations once you have court watched and taken your notes. Gathering our notes from across the state can create data that reveals the holes of our courtrooms and can lead to larger policy change. Note: Fill out form per case.