Recapping last week, we observed a jury trial, which highlights both the way that realities change quickly and a good lawyer is worth more than money. We also accompanied a community member that was intimidated by the prospect of traffic court.
Follow along with our weekly updates and join court watch today!
Court Watch is entering a new phase! Club Court Watch is OPEN and you can show your support TODAY.
Under self directed management we will STILL:
- Observe Nashville's Courtrooms
- Report our experiences
- Hold the system accountable
- Stand with the Community
And Now we will also:
- Welcome new members and supporters
- Accept donations that will fund food and transportation
- Host routine social and educational events
JOIN and donate through
buymeacoffee.com/courtwatch615
This month we celebrate 1 Year of Court Watch! Thanks to Metro Arts Thrive Grant, we've been able to not only incorporate art into our weekly gatherings and on the courthouse plaza, we've given people the opportunity to be Seen And Heard in ways that this system rarely allows.
As we reflect on the last year we want to carry forward the legacy of civil rights that Nashville holds so dear.
Look out for upcoming opportunities to stand in solidarity and take your place in the movement! #courtwatch #seenandheard
To set the stage for our Seen and Heard event, we studied the grassroots organizations that have been opening the courts to the community over the last decade.
What we saw is that the Calls to Action that have been raised over the last ten years are just as relevant today as they were then.
‼️Nashville STILL needs to fund permanent diversionary eviction courts that we may respond to increasing crisis with the full force of our system.
‼️ Nashville STILL needs to seriously evaluate whether criminal defendants constitutional rights are being upheld during overnight bond hearings.
We need not look far into our past to know the direction we must take for a Just future.
We're grateful for all of the organizations and dedicated people that have created space for community in the courts.
We are not starting something new, we're continuing something powerful.
💫 Joy is the Justice we can give each other 💫 This system has silenced us for far too long.
Court Watch is an exercise in silent witness, but that's just the beginning.
Join us Sunday at 1pm at the Nashville Courthouse Witness Walls. Come together in Commemorative Reflection and Determined Action! #courtwatch #seenandheard
On Sunday April 19th, commemorate the people of Nashville whose footsteps in which we march and whose courage reflects the power of silent observation, of taking back public spaces, and bearing witness, that our history be fully reflected.
We gather in this space to honor the power of silence and voice, of action and stillness, through joy and reverence.
Seen And Heard is a community practice of capturing what the system has hidden.
Share in our commitment to one another, to sharing the joy and pain of our stories as a cord of justice.
Witness Walls at Public Square
1pm - 3pm
Sunday, April 19th
Links to email, call scripts, and court details are in our bio.
On Thursday, CourtWatch615 showed up and told tenants about the Winter Docket before they entered the courtroom. Almost everyone we spoke to was accepted and able to pause their eviction while assistance is processed.
That’s why community presence matters.
This Tuesday is critical. Jennifer McCoy’s firm has 140 eviction cases scheduled.
Here’s how you can help:
Monday: Call and email Elmington Properties — Jennifer McCoy’s largest local client — and ask them to make sure their tenants can access the Winter Storm Docket and rental assistance.
Tuesday (8–10 AM): Show up at eviction court so tenants know their rights before they go inside. A few minutes of information can be the difference between someone staying housed or losing their home.
Links to email, call scripts, and court details are in our bio.
Logistics: A.A. Birch Courthouse (downtown) - Public Square Garage (~$20) - Street parking on James Robertson & Gay St (~$2/hr) - Free parking at Farmers Market (~15 min walk) - Walking distance from the downtown bus station
Housing stability after the storm should be the goal — not pushing families out while help is on the way.
#HousingisaHumanRight #People>Profit #Regulatelandlords #DecommodifyHousing
#CourtWatch
UPDATE: when we organize, we win.
Information is power. Circulate these numbers to friends + family + neighbors:
833-837-4663
615-862-5195
Let’s keep pushing for accountability, Nashville. We need language access in courts and we need more relief funds to support neighbors with rent, utilities, debris removal and food.
ACTUALIZACIÓN: Cuando nos organizamos, ganamos.
La información es poder. Compartan estos números con amigos, familiares y vecinos:
833-837-4663
615-862-5195
Sigamos impulsando la rendición de cuentas, Nashville. Necesitamos acceso al idioma en los tribunales y cortes y más fondos de ayuda para apoyar a los vecinos con el alquiler, los servicios públicos, la retirada de escombros y la comida.
تحديث: عندما نتحد ننتصر.
المعرفة قوة. أبعت هذه الارقم لاصدقائك او جيرانك:
833-837-4663
615-862-5195
لدينا حقوق. نطالب الحكومة بتوفير مترجمون، إعفاء من الإيجار و مساعدة مالية بعد العاصفة.
Thanks to a grant from Metro Arts, we will be court watching each Thursday in February and will give members an opportunity to be SEEN AND HEARD in a culminating event. If you are interested in learning more, send us a DM!
Finally! You can be part of Court Watch without taking the day off. Each Wednesday in November head over to Donelson Library to prepare dockets, review reflection forms and learn more about Nashville's Criminal Legal System.
There's a lot going on and we need your support!
Join us every Wednesday in November from 4–6PM at Donelson Library for our Court Watch Volunteer Meetings!
We’ll be: - Prepping court dockets for the next day - Reviewing reflection forms from previous sessions - Learning about the criminal legal system
Drop in anytime during the session — no need to be there right at 4. Whether you're a returning volunteer or brand new, there's a place for you. #courtwatch #nashville
What happens when your court appointed lawyer loses their license?
Well not much, until your next court date.
After a local lawyer was suspended, we found his name on dockets through the rest of the year.
Whose responsibility should it be to alert his clients and ensure new counsel is appointed?
We think judges should play a more active role!
#courtwatch #nashville
