Opinion surveys can be expensive if done professionally but using volunteer legwork and consultant help or the assistance of local college professionals can offset these costs. Courts also utilize citizen volunteers to serve as alternative dispute resolution staffers, community work service coordinators, clerical aides, day-care facility aides and juvenile and adult probation officers, to name a few. Volunteer programs involve the community in the justice system while enhancing the level of service courts provide to the community. Court Watch Groups Court watchers can provide feedback as to how courts are performing. Beware of groups with predetermined political agendas.
Courts can form watcher groups of their own to take notes and report on court activities.
Should only be done with the full knowledge of bench and staff. Teen Courts Offers an opportunity for teens to judge their peers and learn lessons in adjudication processes and conflict management. Public Information Telephone Hotlines Programs vary greatly from state to state, but generally provide callers with court related information. The service contains a high level of message control though only a small percentage of the population generally accesses the service. Like the phone service, a variety of subjects can be covered via computer-assisted kiosks.