Proudly Presents
Whatcom Court Watchers
What the program is and How it works
The program trains and empowers individuals with lived experience and community members to observe court proceedings.
These trained observers act as a public presence in courtrooms, ensuring that court proceedings are open and accessible to the community.
Why this matters
Court watching can help document the reality of the legal system.
It allows for the identification of systemic patterns.
It can advance the vision of a more just society by building evidence for advocacy, policy change, and community education.
Goals and Objectives
Identify Systemic Barriers: Observing court processes aims to uncover systemic issues and inequalities within the justice system.
Advocate for Trauma-Informed Approaches: The program seeks to promote the implementation of trauma-informed practices within the courts.
Ensure a More Just Process: The program strives to ensure a more fair, equitable, and just process for all individuals involved in the Whatcom County justice system.
Promote Transparency: The core objective is to bring transparency and accountability to court proceedings.
Empowering Change: The program aims to empower individuals to become active participants in the pursuit of a more just society.
Centering Lived Experience: The program prioritizes the perspectives and experiences of those who have been directly affected by the justice system.
In short, the Whatcom Court Watchers program is a community-based effort to increase transparency, promote fairness, and empower change within the Whatcom County justice system
Introduction to Court Watching
Court watching, a practice of observing and documenting court proceedings, has been around since the 1970s. It plays a vital role in promoting transparency and accountability within the judicial system. Whether conducted by individuals or organized groups, court watching has served as a powerful tool to uncover injustices and advocate for meaningful legal reforms.
Early Examples and Development
- 1970s: The concept of court watching emerged during this period as a way for the public to oversee the criminal justice system. Initially, these efforts were focused on monitoring criminal court hearings.
- 1973: A Massachusetts-based court watching program significantly influenced the creation of the Judicial Nominating Commission, revolutionizing the judicial appointment process.
- Focus on Justice: Court watching has been instrumental in addressing systemic issues, such as racial bias in sentencing, overuse of bail, and other disparities within the legal system.
- Formal and Informal Approaches: Court watching can range from structured programs with training and data collection methods to informal efforts by individuals observing court activities.
Purpose and Impact
- Transparency and Accountability: Court watching ensures that judicial proceedings remain open to public scrutiny, fostering trust in the legal system.
- Data Collection: Programs gather critical data on court operations, including sentencing practices, interactions between court personnel and participants, and the effectiveness of specific policies.
- Driving Reform: By documenting trends and exposing problems, court watching helps influence policy changes and drives reforms within the judiciary.
- Community Engagement: Court watching empowers citizens to actively participate in the legal process, encouraging civic involvement and fostering a sense of responsibility.
- Focus on Specific Issues: Some programs concentrate on particular areas, such as family courts or cases involving domestic violence, to address unique challenges and advocate for targeted reforms.
COURT OBSERVATION TESTER NEEDED
We are seeking dedicated individuals to join our pilot program as Court Observation Testers. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to an important initiative by observing court proceedings and providing valuable feedback. If you have a keen eye for detail, excellent observation skills, and a willingness to assist in refining this program, we want to hear from you! Your contributions will play a crucial role in ensuring the success and accuracy of this project. Apply today to make a difference and be part of an impactful program.