The Superior Court of California County of San Mateo

🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨 For the last two years the public were permitted to attend hearings remotely, via zoom, with no restriction. The public has organized and attended, in great numbers, as Court Watchers. Initially they were intimidated by Judges who unconstitutionally demanded them to provide their names, creating a veiled threat of retaliation, and a chilling effect. When Judicial intimidation did not deter members of the public who are devoted to observing hearings and trials and reporting misconduct.
On November 2, 2022, The Superior Court of San Mateo suddenly and without notice, banned Court Watchers from attending remotely. Shutting down public virtual access creates a terrifying new dynamic. When Court Watchers complained about this sudden change of “rules”, (literally overnight) the Court stated observers are "welcome to attend in person”. How can a concerned citizen from out of the area, have any form of disability, or their daily schedule simply does not permit, observe a hearing at the court house that is conducted virtually? If a Judge participates in misconduct while the vast majority of litigants are highly encouraged, basically expected to attend hearings via Zoom, this deliberately makes it impossible for concerned citizens to virtually attend. This is another intimidation tactic to deter, demoralize and frighten members of the public who are the only remaining means of oversight of a lawless Judicial System.

Dear concerned citizens and tax payers,

We urge you to send an email demanding the Superior Court of San Mateo to immediately grant Court Watchers remote access. The right to a fair hearing and trial and first amendment rights are fundamental to assure justice and non bias rulings. After all, if you believe you have rights in America, they are not really yours if they are easily taken away from you.

For sample letters and list of recipients, please email: smfamilycourtawareness@proton.me