Legal Observers play a crucial role monitoring and reporting on police behaviour at protest events, protecting and asserting civil and political rights. Their role is to document breaches of human rights, arrests, use of force incidents, and report upon police behaviour and manoeuvres. Legal Observers also provide independent reassurance for activists when confronted by a police presence.

MALS fields Legal Observers to monitor human rights at a wide range of protests, actions, and rallies on environmental and social justice issues.

You don’t have to be a lawyer or legally trained to be a Legal Observer, but education in the relevant laws, police powers, observational skills and Legal Observing protocols is very important. Our practical training workshops teach these fundamentals of Legal Observing.

To become a Legal Observer for MALS, you are required to attend one introductory training session, and attend two events at upcoming protests within 12 months to complete your training. You'll be paired with a buddy with share your experiences and up-skill.

Legal Observing is suitable for all persons and abilities. Practicing lawyers and law students are strongly encouraged to get involved.

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