Join the fight.
We need your help to educate our community, organize your neighbors, and build the coalition that will end cash bail and immigration detention once and for all in Minnesota.
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Court Watching
Our staff and volunteers observe bail hearings in Hennepin and Ramsey Counties, because we believe the pre-trial system should not operate in the dark. Help us hold the courts accountable.
Community events
Our team hosts trainings, workshops, film screenings, court watching sessions, and more. We’re committed to building community around our shared values, and we hope you’ll join us at an upcoming event.
Political Action
We launched Minnesota Freedom Fund Action (MFF Action) in 2022 so that we can more effectively work toward policy change in the immigration and criminal legal systems. Learn more about MFF Action and join us!
Keeping Our Eyes on the courts.
Minnesota Freedom Fund’s court watchers highlight the realities of our legal system by recording data, uncovering untold stories, identifying trends, and holding the courts accountable.
Court Watch Trainings
We encourage everyone who wishes to volunteer as a court watcher to attend a training event or complete a training module online (coming soon). Trainings will help you understand what to look for and how to take notes, and provide effective support.
Court Watch Shifts
Our organizers host court watching sessions in Hennepin and Ramsey Counties in Minnesota. We’re in Ramsey Co. on the 4th Monday of each month at 9 a.m., and in Hennepin Co. on the 1st Thursday and 2nd Monday of each month at 1:30 p.m.
Community events
feb. 5
1:30 p.m.
Hennepin County Court Watch
Volunteers observe bail hearings in Hennepin and Ramsey Counties to promote accountability and build understanding.
Every Tuesday
6 p.m.
Virtual Court Watch Training
Attend a virtual training to become a court watcher. Trainings will introduce bail and arraignment hearings, explain the stakes, and prepare volunteers for what they will observe.
TBD
9 a.m.
Ramsey County Court Watch
Volunteers observe bail hearings in Hennepin and Ramsey Counties to promote accountability and build understanding.