Community Eyes on the Halls of Justice
Empowering Detroit residents to hold the justice system accountable by observing, recording, and reporting on what happens in our courtrooms.
Observations in over 13 states
Observations in over 13 states
“Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will.” — Frederick Douglass
Court Watch Detroit is a grassroots effort to bring transparency to our courts once and for all. We believe justice should be visible and accountable, not hidden behind closed doors. By watching hearings, tracking outcomes, and sharing what we see, we make sure Detroit’s courts answer to fairness and equity, not silence.
- No Justice No Peace
- No Justice No Peace
- No Justice No Peace
- No Justice No Peace
- No Justice No Peace
- No Justice No Peace
- No Justice No Peace
Fight for Fairness
Join the Watch
Step into Detroit courtrooms as an observer and help make sure justice happens in the open.
Fuel the movement
Your donation powers judicial accountability, so we keep watching when the courts close their doors.
Court Watch Coaching
Coaching for community members who want to step into the courtroom and make change.
The Record We Keep
Explore the patterns, stories, and data our volunteers have uncovered with our community record.
Voices of The Volunteers
Court Watch Curious? Start Here.
What is court watching?
Court watching is when everyday people sit in courtrooms, observe what happens, and take notes. It’s a way to bring transparency and accountability to a system that often operates behind closed doors.
Does Court Watch Detroit focus on a certain type of case?
Yes. Court Watch Detroit currently prioritizes asylum hearings. All asylum cases from across Michigan are heard in Detroit, so the impact of observing them reaches statewide. Unlike daily criminal dockets, asylum hearings are scheduled less frequently, which means volunteers sometimes travel in from other parts of Michigan to be present when they happen. Each one carries enormous weight, often deciding whether someone can remain safely in the U.S.
Do I need a legal background to volunteer?
Nope. You don’t need to be a lawyer, law student, or legal expert. All you need is your eyes, your ears, and a commitment to fairness.
What do volunteers actually do in court?
Volunteers attend hearings, document what they see (like outcomes, treatment of defendants, and whether rules are followed), and then share their notes with Court Watch Detroit. We compile that information into reports for the public.
Is court watching legal?
Yes. Courtrooms are public spaces, and observing court is your right. Our training makes sure you know the rules so you can do it respectfully and effectively.
How much time does it take?
It depends on the type of hearing. Many routine hearings — like bail or arraignments — last only a few minutes, while full trial days can run several hours. Asylum hearings, which are our focus, can vary: some are short master calendar hearings, while others (individual asylum trials) may last much longer, sometimes half a day or more.
Court is usually scheduled in blocks, so in a single session you might see a dozen short hearings back-to-back. Most volunteers commit to sitting in for an hour or two at a time, but even observing a single asylum hearing helps build transparency. The time you give is flexible — what matters most is showing up.
Do I need to live in Detroit to participate?
Our focus is on Detroit and Wayne County courts because they handle a large share of Michigan’s cases and often set the tone for the rest of the state. Many cases from surrounding areas end up in Detroit, which makes it the most impactful place to watch. Volunteers don’t have to live inside the city — people from across Metro Detroit and nearby communities are welcome, as long as they can travel into the courts. If you’re further away, you can still support Court Watch Detroit by sharing our work, connecting us with local networks, or donating.
What happens with the information volunteers collect?
Your notes become part of a larger record. We track patterns, publish findings, and use the data to push for fairness and accountability in the courts.
Will I receive training before I start?
Yes. We’ll prepare you with everything you need to know — from what to look for in hearings to how to take notes — before you step into the courtroom.
Is it safe to attend court hearings?
Yes. Hearings are public and volunteers sit in the audience. We also train you on what to expect so you feel comfortable.
How does court watching make a difference?
When people know they’re being watched, they act differently. Volunteers shine light on unfair practices, create public records, and show the courts that Detroit is paying attention.
Thousands of cases are heard in Detroit’s courts each year. But who’s watching?
Cases per year in Detroit
