iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

CourtWatch @courtwatchproject.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

📢 Are you signed up to CourtWatch yet? 💻Spaces are filling up fast for our mid and late September online training sessions - sign up today to be sent all the details! transformjustice.eo.page/courtwatchlo...

023

CourtWatch @courtwatchproject.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

We asked courtwatchers to tell us the best thing about courtwatching. Swipe to see what some of them had to say ➡️ This could be you! 👀 Training sessions for our next round of CourtWatch (England & Wales) are starting later in August. 🔗Sign up today: transformjustice.eo.page/courtwatchlo...

021

CourtWatch @courtwatchproject.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

📢 CourtWatch is back! Are you signed up yet? 👀We’re looking for volunteers from all corners of England and Wales to go into their local magistrates’ courts, observe, reflect and report back to us. 📝How are defendants being treated? Are the courts accessible? What’s causing delays?

120

CourtWatch @courtwatchproject.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

📢 CourtWatch is back - and this time we’re taking on the whole of England and Wales! We’re looking for volunteers to observe hearings in their local magistrates’ courts and report back to us. 🔗Sign up now to get info on online training sessions transformjustice.eo.page/courtwatchlo...

165

CourtWatch @courtwatchproject.bsky.social · 13/04/2026

⚠️Last chance to sign up for our webinar tomorrow! We'll be diving into what our courtwatchers observed in London magistrates' courts - were the courts efficient? Were court staff kind? Could defendants participate effectively? 🔗Join us! Register now: eventbrite.co.uk/e/courtwatch...

001

CourtWatch @courtwatchproject.bsky.social · 08/04/2026

Join us next week for a CourtWatch London webinar! ☑️ Hear about findings from both our newly-released reports ☑️Hear from courtwatchers on their experiences and their takes on defendant treatment and efficiency in London magistrates’ courts. 🎟️ Register now - eventbrite.co.uk/e/courtwatch...

023

CourtWatch @courtwatchproject.bsky.social · 26/03/2026

Thanks to all who came to our event on Tuesday to mark the launch of our new report. A special thank you to our panel @kirstybrimelow.bsky.social, Rosemin Najmudin & Barbara Bond. 🔗Read the report on treatment of defendants in London magistrates' courts: www.transformjustice.org.uk/publication/...

021

CourtWatch @courtwatchproject.bsky.social · 26/03/2026

⚠️ New CourtWatch London report! How are defendants treated in the magistrates' courts? Are they able to effectively participate in their hearings? Find out what our courtwatchers observed in our brand new report ⬇️ www.transformjustice.org.uk/publication/...

001

CourtWatch @courtwatchproject.bsky.social · 07/11/2025

Courtwatchers have been questioning whether some cases belong in court at all. At @transformjustice.bsky.social, we’ve long argued that many offences could be resolved better outside of court. See what some courtwatchers had to say below ⬇️ 🧵[1/8]

134

CourtWatch @courtwatchproject.bsky.social · 31/10/2025

Some courtwatchers have reported magistrates and court staff failing to acknowledge or include defendants during their own hearings. Read more from our courtwatchers below ⬇️ 🧵[1/7]

100

CourtWatch @courtwatchproject.bsky.social · 24/10/2025

Some courtwatchers have raised concerns about hearings that reflect a criminalisation of poverty. With food and essentials more expensive than ever, it’s unfortunately unsurprising that many courtwatchers have witnessed hearings where the defendants are accused of stealing food. 🧵[1/6]

100

CourtWatch @courtwatchproject.bsky.social · 17/10/2025

Many courtwatchers have witnessed hearings where the defendant is experiencing homelessness. For the most part, magistrates have shown understanding and compassion: trying to take people’s circumstances into account and signposting to support services. 🧵[1/8]

100

CourtWatch @courtwatchproject.bsky.social · 03/10/2025

⚠️One courtwatcher observed a deeply disturbing case: a defendant so unwell and heavily medicated he was effectively unable to participate in his own trial - and yet it went ahead with no accommodations at all. 🧵[1/8]

100

CourtWatch @courtwatchproject.bsky.social · 12/09/2025

⚠️ Inefficiency around pre-sentence reports are a big cause of delays in the mags’ courts. Almost 1 in 6 of the delays or adjournments observed by courtwatchers throughout the project were so that pre-sentence reports could be written. 🧵[1/6]

111

CourtWatch @courtwatchproject.bsky.social · 05/09/2025

👁️‍🗨️“CourtWatch has given me a lot to think about.” One month on from the end of the project, our volunteer courtwatchers have been reflecting about what they learned from their courtwatching experiences; the good and the bad, and what they might do differently going forward. #CourtWatchLondon

123

CourtWatch @courtwatchproject.bsky.social · 29/08/2025

⚠️Faulty court technology is preventing the public from seeing crucial evidence. Across dozens of hearings, courtwatchers saw faulty video screen links to be a source of delays and found they were unable to see the evidence originally intended to be viewed by the entire courtroom. 🧵[1/6]

123

CourtWatch @courtwatchproject.bsky.social · 22/08/2025

Where a defendant should sit during a hearing is a contentious topic. The controversial dock has long been the default option for defendants in England and Wales. But, as then Hackney Central MP Baron Clinton Davis said in the House of Commons all the way back in 1972: ⬇️ 🧵[1/8]

111

CourtWatch @courtwatchproject.bsky.social · 15/08/2025

To what degree should someone’s mental health be taken into consideration by the law? One courtwatcher observed a case where a man was charged with failure to stop and remain at a road traffic accident & failure to supply a breath sample, as he drove to the Thames intending to end his life. 🧵[1/8]

101

CourtWatch @courtwatchproject.bsky.social · 11/08/2025

But one courtwatcher who visited Croydon Mags’ court on 13 March reported the lift didn't work (see image). By 12 July, we were still receiving similar reports! That’s at least 4 months without step-free access to the upstairs (which contains half the courtrooms!) This is surely unacceptable. 🧵[3/4]

100

CourtWatch @courtwatchproject.bsky.social · 11/08/2025

For justice to be truly open, our courthouses must be accessible. We ask each courtwatcher to fill out our open justice form once per court visit (not per hearing) which includes a question on accessibility. As you can see, the results are largely positive! 🧵[1/4]

101

CourtWatch @courtwatchproject.bsky.social · 27/06/2025

💡VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT💡Read Annalena’s full Insight on our website: www.transformjustice.org.uk/news-insight... With almost 50 hearing observations under her belt already, Annalena is a certified courtwatching superstar and is never short of interesting cases to discuss.

111

CourtWatch @courtwatchproject.bsky.social · 20/06/2025

One of our courtwatchers recently observed a shocking case of mistaken identity - whereby someone arrested for drunk driving didn’t give their own name, but instead the name and birthday of someone else. The drunk driver was sentenced in court still using the other person’s identity. 🧵[1/12]

246

CourtWatch @courtwatchproject.bsky.social · 13/06/2025

Many of our courtwatchers have observed serious issues with courtroom video links - from poor quality to complete technical failures. These issues aren’t just frustrating - they risk undermining the defendant’s ability to participate in their own hearing. Here are just a few of the comments: [1/5]

Image shows this quote - "The video link was so bad, maybe the trial really should have been stopped"

122

CourtWatch @courtwatchproject.bsky.social · 06/06/2025

Some of our courtwatchers have raised concerns about the tradition of lawyers referring to each other as ‘my friend’. 👁️‍🗨️“I wonder if instead of the term ‘my friend’ it would be clearer if terms like ‘the defence lawyer’ were used when speaking to witnesses and defendants.” [1/5]

122

CourtWatch @courtwatchproject.bsky.social · 03/06/2025

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...

211

CourtWatch @courtwatchproject.bsky.social · 30/05/2025

💡VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT💡Read Michael’s full Insight: www.transformjustice.org.uk/news-insight... Next week is Volunteers’ Week & it’s time to celebrate one of our most dedicated volunteers! Michael has observed ~40 hearings already; consistently providing us with detailed & thoughtful reflections.

133

CourtWatch @courtwatchproject.bsky.social · 23/05/2025

🐌⏰When justice moves so slowly that a child becomes an adult before their case is heard… Court delays are pushing young people, originally charged as children, into adult courtrooms. And our keen-eyed courtwatchers are picking up on this disturbing trend… [1/9]

134

CourtWatch @courtwatchproject.bsky.social · 16/05/2025

♀️ 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]

122

CourtWatch @courtwatchproject.bsky.social · 09/05/2025

💡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]

111

CourtWatch @courtwatchproject.bsky.social · 08/05/2025

💡Is our courts system fit for purpose when it comes to open justice? Join us at the University of Oxford for what is sure to be an insightful lecture from Mr Justice Nicklin, chair of the Transparency and Open Justice Panel. 🔗Register here: www.gtc.ox.ac.uk/news-and-eve...

023

CourtWatch @courtwatchproject.bsky.social · 30/04/2025

🌍 Our courtwatchers’ ethnic backgrounds reflect London’s diversity

010

CourtWatch @courtwatchproject.bsky.social · 30/04/2025

🙋 62% are under 50, compared to fewer than 1 in 5 magistrates

110

CourtWatch @courtwatchproject.bsky.social · 30/04/2025

🏛️ 31% of our courtwatchers have no prior experience with the justice system

100

CourtWatch @courtwatchproject.bsky.social · 30/04/2025

Courtrooms aren’t always neutral, and neither are the people in them. That’s why we need courtwatchers that reflect the communities they observe. Different lived experiences bring different insights to what happens in the courtroom—and better justice for all 🧵 ⬇️

122

CourtWatch @courtwatchproject.bsky.social · 25/04/2025

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!"

121

CourtWatch @courtwatchproject.bsky.social · 23/04/2025

A defendant charged with shoplifting goods valued at £60 was asleep during his trial. Magistrates woke him just in time to hear he'd been sentenced to 18 weeks in prison.

012

CourtWatch @courtwatchproject.bsky.social · 10/04/2025

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🧵⬇️

122

CourtWatch @courtwatchproject.bsky.social · 07/04/2025

🙌 1,000 HEARINGS OBSERVED 🙌 Our incredible courtwatchers have now observed over 1,000 hearings across London! What have they found? 👉 1 in 4 defendants were not legally represented 👉 46% of defendants pleaded guilty 👉 30% of hearings that needed an interpreter didn't have one Stay tuned for more!

012

CourtWatch @courtwatchproject.bsky.social · 03/04/2025

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 ⬇️ 🧵

111

CourtWatch @courtwatchproject.bsky.social · 27/03/2025

A defendant was accused of beating a teenager who went to school with her daughter. During her hearing, there was a delay while she spoke to her lawyer, prompting one magistrate to comment: "She’s pushed the bounds of our generosity already." One of our courtwatchers was observing 🧵⬇️

134

CourtWatch @courtwatchproject.bsky.social · 25/03/2025

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

011

CourtWatch @courtwatchproject.bsky.social · 18/03/2025

How do the magistrates' courts treat defendants? So far, our courtwatchers have been impressed! Magistrates and judges communicate clearly, and are generally kind, fair, and professional. We love to hear it! However...🧵

110

CourtWatch @courtwatchproject.bsky.social · 10/03/2025

🙌 500 HEARINGS OBSERVED 🙌 In just over a month, our incredible courtwatchers have observed more than 500 hearings across London! Follow along to learn more about our volunteer courtwatchers and their findings in the magistrates' courts 📝

012

CourtWatch @courtwatchproject.bsky.social · 11/02/2025

We've trained 300 new volunteers to observe the courts, with 2 more sessions to go! Our newly trained courtwatchers have already observed hearings at 7 magistrates' courts across London 💪 🎉 Don't miss out! Sign up for our FINAL training session on 25th Feb: transformjustice.eo.page/courtwatchlo...

012

CourtWatch @courtwatchproject.bsky.social · 17/01/2025

NEW TRAINING DATES! Come along to learn more about courtwatching & meet other volunteers in your area! 📍27 Jan, Clerkenwell 📍31 Jan, Stratford 📍3 Feb, Bromley 📍5 Feb, Wembley Park 📍7 Feb, Liverpool Street 📍[NEW] 13 Feb, Battersea Sign up now: transformjustice.eo.page/courtwatchlo...

020

CourtWatch @courtwatchproject.bsky.social · 13/01/2025

Hello world 🤗 We've scheduled CourtWatch volunteer training sessions in: 📍Clerkenwell, 27 Jan 📍Stratford, 31 Jan 📍Bromley, 3 Feb 📍Wembley Park, 5 Feb 📍Liverpool Street, 7 Feb And more to come! Sign up for training or to be notified of future sessions: transformjustice.eo.page/courtwatchlo...

021