NLG-LA works to ensure legal and practical access to demonstrations in Southern California by regularly providing Legal Observers for demonstrations and actions.
Who are Legal Observers?
Legal Observers are independent, third-party volunteers who observe and document potentially unlawful or unjustified interference with demonstrators’ rights by law enforcement. Anyone can be a Legal Observer, regardless of legal background!
What do Legal Observers do?
Legal Observers are like copwatchers, but their notes are protected and only used in preparation for potential litigation (criminal and civil). Legal Observers:
- Monitor and document law enforcement
- Record arrests and coordinate with Jail Support
- Maintain independence and confidentiality
Please note that Legal Observers do NOT:
- Direct or influence organizers or demonstrators’ tactics
- Document actions of demonstrators
- Publicly share notes, photos, or videos
- Act as police liaisons
- Provide legal advice
- Legal Observe at actions or demonstrations we were not requested to be at
Can I request Legal Observers for my action or demonstration?
Before requesting Legal Observers, make sure that your action aligns with NLG’s values: We believe that policing, prisons, and legal systems uphold unjust systems rooted in white supremacy, exploitation, patriarchy, and violence. These systems must be abolished.
We encourage organizers to request Legal Observers as early as possible. NLG-LA Legal Observers will cover actions in Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura, San Bernadino, and Riverside Counties.
Request Legal Observers
Please complete the form as far in advance of the action as possible to request Legal Observers at your action or protest.
REQUEST NLG-LA LEGAL OBSERVERS
Please be prepared to provide detailed information about the protest. We only send requests to our network of Legal Observers after our team properly fields them and sufficient information is provided.
If you have any questions, please email locoordinator@nlg-la.org.