I recently participated in the design of a new courthouse with a security consultant on the project team. As an architect specializing in courthouse planning and space programming, I regularly consider security when planning circulation and separating courthouse users. Much of this work occurs...

Courts do not have to imagine the consequences of a major cyberattack. In September 2026, Thomson Reuters disclosed that an unauthorized party had accessed files associated with its C-Track case-management platform. The incident affected court systems in 11 states, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and...

A key feature of our justice system is that courthouses are public spaces and most court proceedings are open to the public. These buildings are designed with justice, security, and public access in mind. However, one important aspect often overlooked during planning is ensuring that the public...

A high-profile trial can quickly change the demands placed on a courthouse. The building must continue supporting its normal operations while accommodating larger crowds, heightened security, extensive media coverage, prolonged proceedings, and additional technology.

Several years ago, I was interviewing court stakeholders as part of a courthouse planning study. A judge mentioned that an interesting trial was scheduled to begin in her courtroom the following morning. I told her I would return to observe it.