Court Watch and Firearms: Framework and Lessons Learned from Three Communities

March 27, 2026

Author:BWJP

Court watch programs, in various forms, have existed in the United States since at least the early 1970’s. Though the focus of court watch programs may be varied, they all generally “serve to highlight the realities of our legal system by recording data, uncovering stories, identifying trends, and highlighting problems.” A cornerstone of the U.S. judicial system is that court proceedings are generally presumptively open to the public. Court watch programs operate by having someone from the program observe proceedings, either in person or virtually. Observers are often looking for and noting a particular procedure or outcome of the court but may also be conducting general observation. Communities around the country are using court watch programs as part of their strategy to reduce firearm-involved domestic violence. In this resource, we highlight how programs in three communities (Spokane, WA; Montgomery County, MD; and Madison, WI) are leading firearm-focused court watch efforts and the lessons they have learned so far.

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