How to Report
Watching and recording are only half the job. Reports are where your notes leave your notebook and enter the public record we’re building together. They’re how we move from scattered observations to patterns that can’t be ignored.
Why Sharing Matters
When you share your notes with us:
They join dozens of others to reveal how courts really operate.
They back up advocacy with hard data, not just anecdotes.
They help the community see what judges, prosecutors, and defenders do behind closed doors.
No single watcher can cover everything. But when reports are combined, they create a fuller picture—and that picture is powerful.
How to Submit
Reporting portal coming soon!
You’ll use our submission form to upload your notes, case details, and key observations. Until the portal is live, hang onto your notes or get in touch with us.
What You’ll Share
When reporting, expect to include:
Case details: defendant name, case number, judge, date, courtroom.
Type of hearing: arraignment, sentencing, bond hearing, etc.
Your notes: typed in or uploaded directly.
Highlights: language barriers, bail/bond decisions, unusual treatment, systemic issues.
What Happens Next
Every report feeds into a growing database of Detroit court observations. From there, we:
Publish findings in community reports.
Share trends with advocacy groups.
Use the data to push for accountability and reform.
Your notes don’t vanish into the void—they become part of something larger.
Help Hold Courts Accountable
You don’t need to sit on the sidelines. The courts are public, and your presence matters. Sign up to become a Court Watcher and help turn hidden harm into public accountability.