Welcome to the Court Watch LA Blog, The Observer!

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our new blog, The Observer, a  platform dedicated to amplifying the voices and observations of our volunteers as they witness the workings of the Los Angeles Superior Courts. 

What is Court Watch LA 

Court Watch LA, a project of La Defensa, is a community power building model promoting accountability and transparency in the judicial system. Additionally, Court Watch seeks to raise awareness about the criminalization of poverty and homelessness, including fines, fees, and predatory bail-setting practices.

We train and empower Court Watchers in Los Angeles County to observe judicial behavior in courtrooms by collecting data and reporting their findings to the public. Our volunteers play a crucial role by observing court proceedings and documenting their findings. These observations provide a window into the everyday functioning of our courts and highlight areas where improvements are needed.

What to Expect in this Blog

In this blog, you will find a variety of content, including:

• Volunteer Observations: Detailed accounts from our volunteers about what they witness in court, shedding light on judicial practices, courtroom behavior, and the treatment of individuals in the criminal justice system.
• Reports & Data Analysis: Key findings and summaries of our in-depth analysis on various aspects of the judicial process, such as pretrial incarceration, bail practices, and racial disparities.

• Political Education: Information about the branches of government, the structure of the judiciary, and analysis of your local courts. 

• Calls to Action: Information on how you can get involved and support our efforts to hold judges near you accountable. 

Observe The Courts With Us

This blog is not just a platform for us to share our findings but also a space for you, our community, to engage, discuss, and advocate for transformation within the judiciary . We invite you to:

• Read, Share, & Amplify Our Analysis: Stay informed by reading our posts and sharing them within your networks.
• Engage and Comment: Participate in the conversation by subscribing to our blog, leaving comments, asking questions, and sharing your own experiences.
• Volunteer: Sign up for our training and begin court watching in your local courthouse or join an upcoming group court watching session! 

Whether you are a volunteer, an advocate, or simply someone who cares about the future of our legal system, there is a place for you here. Together, we will work towards a more transparent and accountable judiciary.

This is only the beginning!

If you’re brushing up on basics with the “Understanding the Judiciary Starter Kit,” we suggest you read this next: Understanding the Constitution & Separation of Powers