Injustice happens in empty courtrooms. But a growing movement of volunteer court watchers is showing up & documenting what they see. This powerful short film-"The Court Watchers"-tells the story. *Score by Fiona Apple. Narration by Jesse Williams.*
Watch:
"The Court Watchers" film starts w/ Fiona Apple courtwatching. As she has for last 2 years. Virtually in PG County, MD court.
"There are 4 screens in front of me. Lawyers dressed in suits. A judge in a robe. Then a person in an orange jumpsuit. I'm watching a bail hearing."
Fiona Apple explains how bail hearings operate. "Within two days of arrest, people are brought before a judge. Who'll decide whether they'll be released or incarcerated in jail while their case proceeds.
These decisions can mean life or death. And they are made within minutes."
The story of Court Watch in PG County, MD begins w/ Carmen Johnson. Sitting in court. The lone court watcher.
"Injustice happens in empty courtrooms. I knew I had to be a court watcher. Words that are spoken are only in the air. Words that are recorded remain for all to see."
On that first day of court watching, now Director of @courtwatchpg, Carmen Johnson, sat in court for 6 hours, writing and watching. witnessing everyday injustices large and small.
All consequential.
The CourtWatch.org film turns to the Constitution. Public court access is a RIGHT.
"The principle of courts open to the public was inscribed in the Constitution by the nation's founders who themselves suffered injustice behind closed doors during British Rule."
The purpose behind the Constitutional right to open courts today is significantly undermined: "The demands of modern life & the face paced legal jargon used in the courtroom, means the public can't truly access what happens in court.
There's no check on unseen injustice.
Here's where Court watching comes in as the most important action anyone can take.
"Groups across the country seek to train a legion of volunteers to attend hearings & learn language & process of court. To take notes, amplify injustices they witness, & hold power accountable."
Once COVID struck things got even more dire. But in Prince George's County, MD-like other places-people could attend & watch court virtually, making it more accessible."
"Ordinary people from across the country from all across the country started to volunteer w/ @courtwatchpg."
Courtwatching is important work. Bond hearings could be a fork in the road. Determining not only one person's future, but:
That of generations that followed.
Courtwatching is intentional, process-oriented, & strategic about how information is shared w/ decision makers & the public.
Courtwatching looks like accountability letters to prosecutors & judges, reports & policy memos, data & media advocacy (traditional and social). Impact.
The impact of Courtwatching is & has been profound. Prosecutors & judges are aware of their presence. Accountability letters change behaviors in the courtroom.
Court observations lead to awareness raising, critical civil rights lawsuits, & most importantly, freedom & safety.
Courtwatching is a growing national movement. "The Court Watchers" film & CourtWatch.org is the product of a national community of volunteer courtwatchers & courtwatch programs.
The film includes some of their voices:
Fiona Apple is a real one. Courtwatching for 2 years. Speaking out about injustice more than even her music. Lending her talent to create her first ever score for this film.
Yes, most of us know her as a Grammy-award winning singer-songwriter. But she *is* a courtwatcher.
Today, the @washingtonpost is out with a major story on this Courtwatching campaign and film, the origin story, the importance of courtwatching, how Fiona Apple got involved as a courtwatcher partner, and this new campaign & video. Read here:washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2023/…
Tomorrow – February 16 – join Fiona Apple and Carmen Johnson on Washington Post Live for a conversation about courtwatch and how their work inside of courts furthering transparency and accountability supports public health & safety.
RSVP here: washingtonpost.com/washington-pos…
Take action. What you can do. 1. Please share this film with everyone. 2. Visit CourtWatch.org to learn more & volunteer to learn how to become a courtwatcher. 3. If you have ideas about how to get the word out please email connect@courtwatch.org.
Proud of my org Zealo.us for launching this campaign & film. Huge shout out to @MediaTankFilm & @VariantAdvocacy for directing/producing. @iJesseWilliams for your voice. Fiona Apple for your dedication & music. And, of course, @DrCarmenJohnso1 & @courtwatchpg.
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