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HOW TO SET UP A COURT WATCH PROGRAM
Dick Dixon, Court Watch Portfolio Chair, LWVCM and LWVNC

The Court Watch program is a structured observation of courts with the goal of court reform. It's best to work with judges, lawyers and other court personnel. They can give talks to the group and help the volunteers understand the legal system.

• Make numerous contacts with community organizations.
• Recruit and train interested volunteers to serve as "court watchers."
• Set up a system whereby a volunteer will attend and observe each morning and afternoon session of each courtroom in the system.
• Volunteers record their observations on a standardized form.
• Collect forms, and at end of project (one year in Charlotte) have information professionally analyzed.
• Throughout year hold monthly meetings with volunteers for training updates, for talking about concerns and for having local court officials speak to group.
• Periodically train new recruits, since it's unrealistic to expect volunteers to remain for entire year.
• Recruit and train qualified volunteers to act as public speakers on court-related topics to educate the public about the court system.
• Advertise speakers' service to interested community organizations.
• Arrange court and jail tours through Sheriff's office.
• Develop and disseminate printed materials to meet needs.