It is always an exciting day when the doors of a new courthouse open. There is a feeling of accomplishment in seeing the shared vision come together, and a sense of efficiency in moving into a building that meets the needs of all occupants. Most often, a new courthouse can be designed to house the...

Over a year and a half into the pandemic, we have seen a lot of change in courthouses and the operations of the components that comprise the judicial system. As we begin to emerge from the pandemic, I have been asking myself which of these changes are temporary and which are potentially here to...

If you are planning a new courthouse, inevitably the discussion will turn to where you should provide dedicated parking for judges, law enforcement, and other court-related executive staff (e.g., department heads). Let’s look at two best practices for courthouse parking and the differences between...

As aspects of our professional and personal lives begin approaching a new “normal,” many court managers and judges are facing questions about future space usage. Will virtual hearings and proceedings reduce the need for courtroom space? Will the transition to remote work remain in place for the...

Courtroom sharing is a sensitive topic for many courts. Although some courts have implemented courtroom sharing practices, many remain resistant to the concept and are still planning courthouses that include a dedicated courtroom for every judge. I would like to suggest that the COVID pandemic has...