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Legal Observer Training (Online): July 28, 2020; 6:30-8:30pm

The Movement Defence Committee provides legal support to groups and communities organizing against oppression and for more just futures. In the last five months people across Ontario, alongside people around the world, have been rising up and demanding justice.

Just this year, the MDC has provided legal support at 50+ protests and direct actions including those calling for defunding the police, safe and affordable shelter for all, and Wet’suwet’en solidarity actions. 

The MDC tries to show up for all groups who request legal observers and who are working against oppression, and we need to grow our ranks so we can support the vital, powerful and increasing organizing across Toronto and the GTA. If you want to get involved, please join the MDC for our Legal Observer training.

We are especially looking to train BIPOC legal observers and people who live or would travel outside of downtown Toronto to support with actions across the GTA. You don’t need to be a lawyer/law student to be a legal observer!

Tuesday, July 28th
6:30-8:30pm

Legal Observers act as the eyes and ears of the legal team: They preserve + record evidence that could be used to support protesters.

Organizers reach out to us when they are organizing a protest or need legal support for a protest or direct action. We provide a range of supports, and work with a variety of organizations. You can usually recognize us at protests as the people in orange hats or armbands.

We prioritize legal support to those most at risk of police or state violence. We recognize that this is a state built on oppression, the theft of Indigenous land, racism/colonialism against BIPOC people, misogyny, homo/trans/lesbo phobia, ableism and capitalism and that policing reflects this.

We do not take evidence that could criminalize someone.

  • What legal observers do
  • What is expected of you by the MDC
  • What to do before an action
    • What to bring
    • What NOT to bring
  • Know Your Rights with the police under COVID-19
    • Identifying different types of law enforcement
    • Policing tools & tactics
  • A basic understanding of the most likely charges / possible criminal consequences
  • Understanding Jail Support
To donate to support the MDC, please send an interac e-transfer the Law Union of Ontario at  law.union.of.ontario@gmail.com