While it might not be a hot topic like security or a constant discussion such as those involving courtroom layouts, the condition of a courthouse can significantly impact the efficiency of the judicial process. Courthouses are more than just buildings; they are symbols of justice and fairness. 

As a guilty pleasure, I have been watching the HBO documentary “Chimp Crazy.” It is a four-part series that documents chimpanzees in captivity. While watching, I noticed that the animal cages in one facility were pink. I asked myself, “Why pink?” And that started my research into this topic.

Past...

As a court planner, I have worked with courts that have pursued legal action against counties because the court was not being provided adequate courthouse space. The public has a right to justice, and justice requires functional and secure facilities. When all other measures have been exhausted,...

A recent podcast in the National Association for Court Management’s “Court Leader’s Advantage” series highlights a potentially alarming trend—court filings are down over the long term. The podcast is based on a newly released book that examines state trial court civil filings in five states...

As a court planner, I’ve visited many courthouses that are relics from a prior era that no longer meet the court's needs today. I’ve also toured a smaller number of newer courthouses designed to adapt and evolve as the court and community's needs change. In this article, I’ll discuss a few...