Court watching is a way to hold your district attorneys (DAs) accountable for the decisions they make in the court room. By attending court hearings and documenting what happens, you will gain a better understanding of how the decisions DAs make every day impact members of our communities. It also helps us push for changes in the policies and practices that lead to major racial disparities, excessive punishments, and over-incarceration.
Attend our training to learn the basics of court watching, including how the Massachusetts criminal courts work and what to look for while you’re in the courtroom.
This training is part of the “What a Difference a DA Makes” campaign’s 5-5-5 efforts. Over 5 months, 5 organizations will host court watch trainings in 5 counties across the state. March’s training will take place in Worcester and is hosted by the ACLU of Massachusetts, Mass Bail Fund, Families for Justice as Healing, National Lawyers’ Guild, Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
These trainings are free and open to the public. All are welcome. Sign up for court here!