CourtWatch PG

Injustice Happens In Empty Courtrooms

What We Do

Courtwatch PG is a growing community of volunteers from Maryland and beyond, led by formerly incarcerated Black women. We observe court proceedings in Prince George’s County District Court to document official policies in action and hold officials accountable for injustice in the criminal legal system.

Who We Are

We are students, professionals, academics, retired lawyers and others spurred to action by what is happening to our community.

Why We Court Watch

Everyone's day in court should be public - that is what the Constitution requires. But that right means nothing if nobody is watching.

Why Bond Review

Every day, bond hearings in Prince George’s County cause people to be jailed for months without a trial, because they are jailed before trial.

OUR LATEST REPORT​

How do we respond when we find ourselves in a society that neglects its youth, abandons the pursuit of justice, and disregards the well-being of its citizens? It’s a stark reality that we contribute our hard-earned money to support a system that perpetuates dysfunction and oppression within our own communities.

Imagine this: You’re a mother, returning home from the grocery store with three young children eagerly waiting for you. As you approach your home, a police officer pulls you over for a minor issue like a broken tail light. You say to yourself, “Thank God this officer looks like me!” Next thing you hear is, “Ma’am, step out the car with your hands up!” To your disbelief, you’re informed of unresolved traffic tickets from two years ago, leading to your immediate arrest..

You’re now separated from your children left alone at home. You’re taken to the police station, stripped of your belongings, and deemed a threat to society, resulting in being held without bond.

Nothing happens without you!

Why We Watch

We believe that our institutions put far too much faith in violence and force, and far too little faith in love and supportive services.

BECAUSE WE OWE IT.

Everyone’s day in court should be public—that’s what the Constitution requires. But that right means nothing if nobody is watching.

BECAUSE WE OWN IT.

In a democracy, officials act in our name. It is our job to watch what we are doing to each other, and fix what needs fixing.

SOCIETY IS HURTING

Our history of colonialism and slavery tends to divide us—into white people vs. Black and brown people, rich people vs. poor people—marked as potential enemies in each other’s eyes.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers are critical to every aspect of our organization. Their generosity and dedication are what make change possible.

There are many opportunities to share your time, talent, and treasure with Courtwatch.

Volunteer HS students
Volunteer College students
Retired volunteer opportunities
Law student volunteer opportunities

Nothing happens without you!

CourtWatch PG

Injustice Happens In Empty Courtrooms