Court Watchers Program
Our Court Watchers Program is dedicated to promoting transparency, accountability, and fairness in family court proceedings. Volunteers play a crucial role by observing and documenting what happens inside the courtroom, ensuring that self-represented litigants, domestic violence survivors, and protective parents receive fair treatment and due process. Your presence as a court watcher helps shine a light on potential injustices and systemic failings within the San Mateo Family Court system.
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Who Qualifies to Be a Court Watcher?
Are you a believer in constitutional rights and committed to making a difference in the family court system?
You may be the perfect fit for our Court Watcher Program if you believe in justice, transparency, and accountability within family courts. You’re committed to upholding the rights of self-represented litigants, domestic violence survivors, and protective parents. You’re willing to observe and document court proceedings with objectivity and responsibility.
If you’re at least 18 years old and can maintain professionalism in the courtroom, complete our court watcher training to become an effective participant, following all legal guidelines.
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Why Join the Court Watchers Program?
As a court watcher, you will help promote fairness by ensuring transparency in family court proceedings, shedding light on injustices that often remain hidden.
Your presence in the courtroom holds the system accountable, safeguarding the rights of self-represented litigants, domestic violence survivors, and protective parents.
By observing and documenting what takes place, you are playing a critical role in upholding due process and ensuring that everyone receives fair treatment.
Join a movement advocating for justice, exposing bias, and working toward much-needed reform in the family court system.
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Training for Court Watchers
Our training ensures you are fully prepared to observe and report effectively on family court proceedings.
You’ll receive a thorough overview of family court processes, so you know what to expect during hearings. We provide detailed guidelines on what to observe, how to document your findings, and how to maintain objectivity and impartiality.
You’ll also learn the legal rules surrounding court watching, along with advocacy strategies to ensure transparency.
Finally, we’ll teach you how to report your observations and contribute meaningfully to collective efforts for court reform.