A basic tenet that drives our modern judicial system is the principle that an accused person is entitled to a jury of peers. This basic right attaches significant importance to the role of the jury, which requires an equally important venue – the jury box.

Years ago, during a courthouse needs assessment, I had a passing conversation with a defense attorney while I was evaluating courtrooms. She noticed that I was taking space measurements and photographs, and commented that the standards for courtroom design should change because participants often...

When courthouse planners, architects, or court managers consider various possibilities for the layout of a new courtroom, how far from historic norms should they expect to depart? There has clearly been a strong thread of consistency in the form and function of American courtrooms from colonial...

I recently received a comment on my Justice in the Dark post regarding natural light, helping to create a more pleasant environment in a courtroom while having the added benefit of reducing energy costs. I briefly responded that I couldn’t agree more! Now, let me take the opportunity to elaborate.

In my previous articles on courtroom layout options, I have addressed such issues as sightlines, furniture options, and access requirements. My focus in this post will be on the core element of the courtroom: the location of the judge's bench.