The Montana Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence has created a Courtwatch Training Manual in order to help our members and allies develop court-community collaborations throughout the state of Montana.  The Courtwatch program empowers local communities to have an active volunteer presence in the local courts.  Through evaluating and monitoring the justice system and outcomes for victims of domestic and sexual violence, Courtwatch will provide a forum for feedback to facilitate systems advocacy change. 

This court monitoring system has been developed to monitor legal systems, help survivors of domestic and sexual violence, generate change, create awareness, and better your community.  Within the MCADSV Courtwatch Training Manual you will find the following information: 

• Background:  Courtwatch Defined
• History of MCADSV Courtwatch Manual
• Developing a Courtwatch Program
• Implementing a Courtwatch Program
• Understanding the Law and the Courts
• Glossary
• Appendices

This manual has been completed through the research and hard work of the past Americorps Vista, Jennifer Hill-Hart, the contribution of MCADSV member programs and community partners, and information and technical assistance from court monitoring programs across the country.  The Courtwatch program is an excellent way to get involved in your community and increase public awareness about the prevalence of domestic and sexual violence. 

Please click here to access the CourwatchTraining Manual: Courtwatch

Also developed are the following helpful MCADSV materials to aid in the beginning stages of your Courtwatch program. 

Just click on the title of the material listed to access the document.

The Pocket Lawyer (word document)

This quick list of legal terms may be helpful either in the courtroom or when referring to a case. Easily placed into a three ring binder, The Pocket Lawyer may aid in one's understanding of legal language.

MCADSV Courtwatch Flyer (pdf file)

This flyer can be used to raise awareness of the program and it's benefits.

Montana Courtwatch Brochure (pdf file)

The purpose of this brochure is to quickly explain the Courtwatch program and how it can be used in your community. 

Top 10 Reasons to Begin the Courtwatch Program in your Community (word document).

To generate ideas and raise awareness about the many uses of Courtwatch.

Montana Courtwatch Blog (website)

At http://montanacourtwatch.blogspot.com, this online resource will be an excellent communication tool to connect Courtwatch programs throughout Montana.  On this free blog you can upload pictures, share information, help plan events, ask questions, etc. 

Thank you for your interest in the Courtwatch program!

This project is supported by the grant 2004 MUAX 0048, awarded by the US Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs.

Create a court monitoring program in your community in order to: observe legal systems, help survivors of domestic and sexual violence, create awareness, get involved, and better your community. 

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