Melinda Sherwyn
Court watcher training · Veteran advocate
Family First Coalition
Transparency begins with citizens.
American courtrooms are public because justice belongs to the people. Court watchers are the eyes and ears of the community.
Kat Espinda
Court watcher program
Help bring transparency and accountability to court proceedings by documenting and reporting what you observe.
What the program is
The Family First Coalition Court Watcher Program trains citizens to observe, document, and report on proceedings in family, guardianship, probate, and other courts where life-changing decisions impact children, families, and vulnerable seniors.
Court watchers attend hearings, take notes, observe procedures, document concerns, and help restore transparency to systems too often hidden from public view.
No legal background is required.
Parents, grandparents, retirees, students, veterans, advocates, and concerned citizens all have a role in protecting due process and the public trust.
What you will learn
- How to locate and identify public court proceedings
- How to properly observe and document hearings
- What information should be recorded
- Courtroom rules and etiquette
- How to recognize patterns and areas of concern
- How to prepare observation reports
- How to submit findings through our reporting process
- How citizen oversight can strengthen public accountability
Why court watching matters
Many of the most important decisions affecting children, families, and seniors occur in courtrooms that receive little public attention. Observations help identify trends, support public awareness, and strengthen calls for transparency and reform.
Live training
Every Wednesday · 7:00 p.m. Pacific
Every Sunday · 4:00 p.m. Eastern
The live class link is sent to enrolled watchers before each session. Enroll below and the training desk will confirm your seat.
Become a court watcher
A constitutional republic depends upon an informed and engaged citizenry. If transparency matters, accountability matters, and families matter, join the program.
Your note is emailed to courtwatcher@gmail.com, with copies to Maureen Steele and Ann Vandersteel. It is not stored on this website.