Legal Observer Program
The NLG Legal Observer program, established in 1968, is part of a comprehensive system of NLG legal support designed to enable people to express their political views as fully as possible without unconstitutional disruption or interference by the police, and with the fewest possible consequences from the criminal legal system.
What Legal Observers Do
Legal Observers are volunteers trained by the National Lawyers Guild who attend demonstrations to:
Monitor and document law enforcement behavior toward activists
Work with NLG attorneys to coordinate arrest support for activists on the ground
Serve as a deterrent to unconstitutional behavior by law enforcement
Our role is to document the actions of law enforcement, especially those that could later have criminal or civil legal consequences. Incidents we monitor and document include any arrest or detainment, use of force, intimidating display of force, denial of access to public spaces like parks and sidewalks, and any other behavior that appears to restrict demonstrators’ ability to express their political views.
Our notes, photographs, and digitally-recorded materials are privileged and protected. Information gathered by Legal Observers has contributed to a highly successful track record in defending and advancing the rights of demonstrators, including in criminal trials and several major lawsuits against federal and local governments for their unconstitutional actions.
What Legal Observers Don’t Do
We do not:
Assist in the planning of demonstrations as representatives of the LO Program
Give legal, tactical, or political advice at demonstrations
Negotiate with the police on behalf of demonstrators, i.e., serve as police liaisons
Speak to the press or public on behalf of demonstrators
Participate in demonstrations (hold signs, chant, etc.)
Monitor or judge protesters’ actions or tactics or tone-police their messages
Interfere with arrests or police activity in any way
Legal observe at any action at which our presence is not requested
Request Legal Observers
Organizations or community members can request Legal Observers for demonstrations that take place in Michigan. We do not send Legal Observers to actions that advance platforms contrary to our mission and progressive values.
There are no fees for Legal Observers to attend an action, as our program is volunteer-based.
To request Legal Observers, please fill out the form below, or contact the Legal Observer Coordinator, Lisa Carlson, at locoordinator@michigannlg.org or 313-474-1312.
Become a Legal Observer!
Legal Observers can be law students, legal workers, or lawyers, as well as activists and community members, who value human rights and the rights of ecosystems over property interests.
For information on upcoming LO trainings, please contact the Legal Observer Coordinator, Lisa Carlson, at locoordinator@michigannlg.org or 313-474-1312.
Legal Observers can become NLG members for free by training and Legal Observing for at least two hours per year. Become a member here!
Legal Observer Committee
The Legal Observer Committee’s purpose is to consider and recommend policies and actions that relate to the LO Program. Any trained Legal Observer can attend our monthly LO Committee meetings.
Committee Chair: Hannah Mathers
Committee Secretary: Katie Sloan
