When people think about courthouse security, they often picture metal detectors, uniformed officers, and controlled entry points. While these visible measures remain essential, they no longer tell the whole story. Today’s courthouses depend on interconnected technology that quietly shapes how...

As fans of the iconic Yellowstone television franchise can attest, the difficult topic of child trafficking was front and center in a recent two-part episode of the popular new network spin-off series Marshals. It’s unfortunately understandable why the show’s creators felt the topic was relevant:

 It started with a contradiction.

Over the past two decades, one fast-growing county where we were engaged to perform court planning had added tens of thousands of residents. As part of our work, we examined the trends shaping the courts and the broader community. New subdivisions replaced open...

 Across the United States, courthouse construction doesn’t always align with long-term needs. Some jurisdictions build facilities with more space than they ultimately use, while others face crowded courtrooms and limited space for judges, staff, and the public.

Courthouses are commonly associated with formal legal proceedings, complex legal language, and critical decisions. Nevertheless, for many individuals, walking into a courthouse is not solely about following legal protocols. It is an emotional experience that can be nerve-wracking, intimidating, or...