Elizabeth Maupin of Issaquah/Sammamish Interfaith Coalition writes:
I have been in touch with the Seattle University Law School and the Housing Justice Project about training and placing court watchers in the King County eviction courts. Once the moratorium ends there will likely be a tsunami of eviction cases. Volunteer court watchers who sit in a courtroom and take notes not only provide us with data on racial bias and discrimination, but actually impact outcomes merely by being there. Experience has shown that judges, prosecutors, and attorneys who know that they are being watched and will be held accountable are more likely to take care to operate fairly and to follow reforms designed to improve our justice system. Housing Justice Project will provide training and volunteers will probably serve for half a day once a month. Background checks will be required.
Let us know if you are interested by contacting Karla Davis (karlad@kcba.org)and we will get you updates on this as the project moves forward.
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