i don't usually talk about courtwatcher stuff because that isn't really my beat but i do think an important detail to today's scotus decision is that "therapist" is a basically meaningless term without any meaningful regulation behind it
March 31, 2026 at 7:30 PM
i don't usually talk about courtwatcher stuff because that isn't really my beat but i do think an important detail to today's scotus decision is that "therapist" is a basically meaningless term without any meaningful regulation behind it
As we say in courtwatcher land, “always read the footnotes.”*
*after we say “WHERE’S THE LINK TO THE RULING?”
*after we say “WHERE’S THE LINK TO THE RULING?”
July 16, 2025 at 3:14 AM
As we say in courtwatcher land, “always read the footnotes.”*
*after we say “WHERE’S THE LINK TO THE RULING?”
*after we say “WHERE’S THE LINK TO THE RULING?”
Fiona Apple has a new song about women held in pretrial detention because they can't afford bail, based on her experiences as a courtwatcher.
Great music, powerful message
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ki1n...
Great music, powerful message
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ki1n...
Fiona Apple - Pretrial (Let Her Go Home) (Official Music Video)
YouTube video by fionaappleVEVO
www.youtube.com
May 8, 2025 at 1:19 PM
Fiona Apple has a new song about women held in pretrial detention because they can't afford bail, based on her experiences as a courtwatcher.
Great music, powerful message
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ki1n...
Great music, powerful message
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ki1n...
“'I can’t tell you how many people are asking me, "Where is Uganda?'" one courtwatcher said, who declined to provide their full name."
'I’ve never felt this sick in here,' another added, also declining to be named."
'I’ve never felt this sick in here,' another added, also declining to be named."
In immigration court today DHS lawyers moved to toss peoples' asylum claims en masse, arguing they should seek asylum in countries they may have never set foot in instead.
h/t to @hellgatenyc.com who first reported on the Trump administration's latest tactic.
www.thecity.nyc/2025/12/18/a...
h/t to @hellgatenyc.com who first reported on the Trump administration's latest tactic.
www.thecity.nyc/2025/12/18/a...
Trump Administration Moves to Send Asylum Seekers to Uganda, Honduras and Ecuador
Citing agreements with the three countries, Department of Homeland Security attorneys at 26 Federal Plaza are now asserting that immigrants have no right to apply for asylum in the United States.
www.thecity.nyc
December 18, 2025 at 11:40 PM
“'I can’t tell you how many people are asking me, "Where is Uganda?'" one courtwatcher said, who declined to provide their full name."
'I’ve never felt this sick in here,' another added, also declining to be named."
'I’ve never felt this sick in here,' another added, also declining to be named."
Few thoughts as an immigration courtwatcher: 1) ICE hasn't been in NYC courthouses for a month. The message was recieved (New Yorkers flake on immigration hearings more often), they just motion to pretermit everything now, tactics have shifted to TSA nonsense etc. Attorney absolutely knew months ago
According to documents filed this morning by the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of NY, ICE has been lying for a year — not only to the public, but to the courts and to prosecutors — about being authorized to make arrests at 26 Federal Plaza and other immigration courts. (1/2)
March 26, 2026 at 12:04 PM
Few thoughts as an immigration courtwatcher: 1) ICE hasn't been in NYC courthouses for a month. The message was recieved (New Yorkers flake on immigration hearings more often), they just motion to pretermit everything now, tactics have shifted to TSA nonsense etc. Attorney absolutely knew months ago
“I can’t tell you how many people are asking me, ‘Where is Uganda?’” one courtwatcher said, who declined to provide their full name.”
“I’ve never felt this sick in here,” another added, also declining to be named.”
“I’ve never felt this sick in here,” another added, also declining to be named.”
December 21, 2025 at 10:07 PM
“I can’t tell you how many people are asking me, ‘Where is Uganda?’” one courtwatcher said, who declined to provide their full name.”
“I’ve never felt this sick in here,” another added, also declining to be named.”
“I’ve never felt this sick in here,” another added, also declining to be named.”
🚨NEW EPISODE🚨
Are courts welcoming? Are defendants judged based on appearance? Can court users understand legal jargon?
Courtwatcher Rosemin & Jessica Jacobson of Birkbeck discuss courtwatcher observations from 2,000+ cases in London magistrates' courts.
🎧 pod.fo/e/3ecb82
Are courts welcoming? Are defendants judged based on appearance? Can court users understand legal jargon?
Courtwatcher Rosemin & Jessica Jacobson of Birkbeck discuss courtwatcher observations from 2,000+ cases in London magistrates' courts.
🎧 pod.fo/e/3ecb82
April 3, 2026 at 4:44 AM
🚨NEW EPISODE🚨
Are courts welcoming? Are defendants judged based on appearance? Can court users understand legal jargon?
Courtwatcher Rosemin & Jessica Jacobson of Birkbeck discuss courtwatcher observations from 2,000+ cases in London magistrates' courts.
🎧 pod.fo/e/3ecb82
Are courts welcoming? Are defendants judged based on appearance? Can court users understand legal jargon?
Courtwatcher Rosemin & Jessica Jacobson of Birkbeck discuss courtwatcher observations from 2,000+ cases in London magistrates' courts.
🎧 pod.fo/e/3ecb82
if you didn’t know, Fiona has been a real one for awhile now
May 7, 2025 at 2:24 PM
if you didn’t know, Fiona has been a real one for awhile now
The feds' response to the CA request for court injunction against the president's actions strain credulity. #courtlistener #courtwatcher #CAprotests #martiallaw #federalpolice
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
storage.courtlistener.com
June 11, 2025 at 7:25 PM
The feds' response to the CA request for court injunction against the president's actions strain credulity. #courtlistener #courtwatcher #CAprotests #martiallaw #federalpolice
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
SCOTUS returns tomorrow—here’s what stalwart courtwatcher @hegemommy.bsky.social will be tracking for @rewirenewsgroup.com
First up: Arguments on constitutionality of banning conversion therapy, as 23 states plus DC and PR do.
First up: Arguments on constitutionality of banning conversion therapy, as 23 states plus DC and PR do.
Supreme Court Could Gut Abortion, LGBTQ Protections With These 3 Cases—Analysis
SCOTUS will hear three cases on anti-abortion centers and LGBTQ+ rights—all from the Alliance Defending Freedom.
rewirenewsgroup.com
October 7, 2025 at 12:54 AM
SCOTUS returns tomorrow—here’s what stalwart courtwatcher @hegemommy.bsky.social will be tracking for @rewirenewsgroup.com
First up: Arguments on constitutionality of banning conversion therapy, as 23 states plus DC and PR do.
First up: Arguments on constitutionality of banning conversion therapy, as 23 states plus DC and PR do.
Courtwatcher Rosemin, who took part in @courtwatchldn.bsky.social, describes the "chaos" of Mondays at London magistrates' courts.
🎧Want to hear more about what courtwatchers observed? Catch up on the full episode here: pod.fo/e/3ecb82
And don't forget to let us know your thoughts below!
🎧Want to hear more about what courtwatchers observed? Catch up on the full episode here: pod.fo/e/3ecb82
And don't forget to let us know your thoughts below!
April 29, 2026 at 4:19 PM
Courtwatcher Rosemin, who took part in @courtwatchldn.bsky.social, describes the "chaos" of Mondays at London magistrates' courts.
🎧Want to hear more about what courtwatchers observed? Catch up on the full episode here: pod.fo/e/3ecb82
And don't forget to let us know your thoughts below!
🎧Want to hear more about what courtwatchers observed? Catch up on the full episode here: pod.fo/e/3ecb82
And don't forget to let us know your thoughts below!
im not a dedicated courtwatcher but this does not seem to be going well for sony
December 1, 2025 at 4:47 PM
im not a dedicated courtwatcher but this does not seem to be going well for sony
♀️ Sexism in subtle forms? ♂️ Some courtwatchers are raising concerns about how female magistrates (and other court staff) are treated by their male colleagues.
One courtwatcher noted that the female magistrate was being physically excluded from the discussions... [1/5]
One courtwatcher noted that the female magistrate was being physically excluded from the discussions... [1/5]
May 16, 2025 at 8:42 AM
♀️ Sexism in subtle forms? ♂️ Some courtwatchers are raising concerns about how female magistrates (and other court staff) are treated by their male colleagues.
One courtwatcher noted that the female magistrate was being physically excluded from the discussions... [1/5]
One courtwatcher noted that the female magistrate was being physically excluded from the discussions... [1/5]
When the cat's away...🐭
Courtwatchers have been surprised by the general chatter & discussion of other cases that goes on when magistrates leave the courtroom to deliberate. Courtwatcher Patrizia refected that it's "a bit like the class standing on the desks while the teacher is in the corridor!"
Courtwatchers have been surprised by the general chatter & discussion of other cases that goes on when magistrates leave the courtroom to deliberate. Courtwatcher Patrizia refected that it's "a bit like the class standing on the desks while the teacher is in the corridor!"
April 25, 2025 at 2:04 PM
When the cat's away...🐭
Courtwatchers have been surprised by the general chatter & discussion of other cases that goes on when magistrates leave the courtroom to deliberate. Courtwatcher Patrizia refected that it's "a bit like the class standing on the desks while the teacher is in the corridor!"
Courtwatchers have been surprised by the general chatter & discussion of other cases that goes on when magistrates leave the courtroom to deliberate. Courtwatcher Patrizia refected that it's "a bit like the class standing on the desks while the teacher is in the corridor!"
Courtwatcher Michael observed a case in which a defendant was stopped by police for driving an uninsured company car. His manager had told him it was covered, but he was still charged. After waiting 8 months, the case revealed a history of problems with how the company handled insurance🧵⬇️
April 10, 2025 at 9:30 AM
Courtwatcher Michael observed a case in which a defendant was stopped by police for driving an uninsured company car. His manager had told him it was covered, but he was still charged. After waiting 8 months, the case revealed a history of problems with how the company handled insurance🧵⬇️
twitter-thread.com/t/2016250854... My latest thread over on Musk’s site, debunking the latest Telegraph nonsense about the Lucy Letby case. This time, a particularly offensive and inaccurate article about the case of Baby I
https://t.co/mWnQYa8vKF by @Courtwatch_Olly(Courtwatcher) | Twitter Thread Reader
https://t.co/mWnQYa8vKF
Once again Knapton is presenting an incomplete picture regarding an aspect of the Lucy Letby case, this time the death of Baby I…..
twitter-thread.com
January 29, 2026 at 12:55 PM
twitter-thread.com/t/2016250854... My latest thread over on Musk’s site, debunking the latest Telegraph nonsense about the Lucy Letby case. This time, a particularly offensive and inaccurate article about the case of Baby I
💡VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT💡
Courtwatcher Dawn Jackson has already observed 20 hearings (and counting!) and gathered plenty of useful insights.
Read Dawn's reflections on biases below ⬇️ [1/4]
Courtwatcher Dawn Jackson has already observed 20 hearings (and counting!) and gathered plenty of useful insights.
Read Dawn's reflections on biases below ⬇️ [1/4]
May 9, 2025 at 10:20 AM
💡VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT💡
Courtwatcher Dawn Jackson has already observed 20 hearings (and counting!) and gathered plenty of useful insights.
Read Dawn's reflections on biases below ⬇️ [1/4]
Courtwatcher Dawn Jackson has already observed 20 hearings (and counting!) and gathered plenty of useful insights.
Read Dawn's reflections on biases below ⬇️ [1/4]
NYPD admits involvement in ‘courtwatcher’ surveillance. "The [NYPD] spokesperson said the ‘possible criminal activities’ the police were concerned with included ‘weapons training, violence against law enforcement, property damage..., & discussions about bomb-making.’" www.thecity.nyc/2025/11/21/n...
NYPD Confirms Involvement in FBI Probe Targeting Volunteer Observers in Immigration Court
An FBI document referred to activists at immigration courts as “anarchist violent extremist actors” and cited a "sensitive source with excellent access” to an encrypted chat.
www.thecity.nyc
November 23, 2025 at 2:09 AM
NYPD admits involvement in ‘courtwatcher’ surveillance. "The [NYPD] spokesperson said the ‘possible criminal activities’ the police were concerned with included ‘weapons training, violence against law enforcement, property damage..., & discussions about bomb-making.’" www.thecity.nyc/2025/11/21/n...
Discovered a fellow courtwatcher lives a block from me, and we were like "oh, we're going tomorrow! We could go together!"
Her: when do you typically leave for court
Me: 6:50am
Her: ....
Her: okay I will see you in court
Her: when do you typically leave for court
Me: 6:50am
Her: ....
Her: okay I will see you in court
May 20, 2026 at 10:16 AM
Discovered a fellow courtwatcher lives a block from me, and we were like "oh, we're going tomorrow! We could go together!"
Her: when do you typically leave for court
Me: 6:50am
Her: ....
Her: okay I will see you in court
Her: when do you typically leave for court
Me: 6:50am
Her: ....
Her: okay I will see you in court
Recent observations have highlighted how difficult it can be for defendants to comply with bail conditions. A defendant was accused of shoplifting & breaching bail conditions by entering a shop outside of Sutton. He pleaded not guilty. Courtwatcher Jemma was observing ⬇️ 🧵
April 3, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Recent observations have highlighted how difficult it can be for defendants to comply with bail conditions. A defendant was accused of shoplifting & breaching bail conditions by entering a shop outside of Sutton. He pleaded not guilty. Courtwatcher Jemma was observing ⬇️ 🧵
Meet Felix, our first canine courtwatcher! He went along to Willesden magistrates' court last week to observe hearings with some of his fellow volunteers. We're delighted that Felix has developed such a keen nose for justice! 🐶 #PawAndOrder
March 25, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Meet Felix, our first canine courtwatcher! He went along to Willesden magistrates' court last week to observe hearings with some of his fellow volunteers. We're delighted that Felix has developed such a keen nose for justice! 🐶 #PawAndOrder
Not only do our courtwatchers send us detailed reports of their observations, they also have excellent ideas for how to make our courts better.
Hear from courtwatcher Carolina on how we could improve audibility in magistrates' courts below ⬇️
Should participation trump etiquette? We think so...
Hear from courtwatcher Carolina on how we could improve audibility in magistrates' courts below ⬇️
Should participation trump etiquette? We think so...
June 3, 2025 at 10:04 AM
Not only do our courtwatchers send us detailed reports of their observations, they also have excellent ideas for how to make our courts better.
Hear from courtwatcher Carolina on how we could improve audibility in magistrates' courts below ⬇️
Should participation trump etiquette? We think so...
Hear from courtwatcher Carolina on how we could improve audibility in magistrates' courts below ⬇️
Should participation trump etiquette? We think so...
Courtwatchers felt some attitudes were inappropriate given the nuances of the space. Courtwatcher Annalena observed: "While the mags were deliberating behind closed doors, a family of another defendant sat down next to me. They were clearly nervous & didn't seem to understand what was going on...
April 25, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Courtwatchers felt some attitudes were inappropriate given the nuances of the space. Courtwatcher Annalena observed: "While the mags were deliberating behind closed doors, a family of another defendant sat down next to me. They were clearly nervous & didn't seem to understand what was going on...
One way to mitigate these delays - as suggested by the courtwatcher quoted in the image above - would be for the court to check the pre-sentence report was ready prior to the hearing. This simple suggestion could save a lot of court time!
#CourtWatchLondon #Delays #MagistratesCourt
🧵[6/6]
#CourtWatchLondon #Delays #MagistratesCourt
🧵[6/6]
September 12, 2025 at 8:59 AM
One way to mitigate these delays - as suggested by the courtwatcher quoted in the image above - would be for the court to check the pre-sentence report was ready prior to the hearing. This simple suggestion could save a lot of court time!
#CourtWatchLondon #Delays #MagistratesCourt
🧵[6/6]
#CourtWatchLondon #Delays #MagistratesCourt
🧵[6/6]
Several courtwatchers found that proceedings felt rushed. Courtwatcher Francesca observed a first appearance for stalking and harassment: "There was the sense that everyone was speeding through in order to get home. Overall, judge seemed stern but fair in his treatment of the defendant."
March 18, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Several courtwatchers found that proceedings felt rushed. Courtwatcher Francesca observed a first appearance for stalking and harassment: "There was the sense that everyone was speeding through in order to get home. Overall, judge seemed stern but fair in his treatment of the defendant."