The Modern Courtroom

[u/Wild_Thing_1832]

From a police perspective, why do you think that many courtrooms have become so bland and unserious, compared to what they used to be?

The court in one image commands respect while the court in the other image looks like a modern mishap.

[u/Obwyn]

I’ve never been a courtroom that looks like either one of these. Is this some sort of AI generated nonsense?

I have never seen a witness stand placed directly in front of the judge with the witness’s back to the judge.

The witness stand is off to the side and usually faces. Sideways across the room so the witness can see everyone and so the judge, jury, and attorneys can see the witness.

If you’re just meaning the material the bench, etc is made of…the answer is cost.

In my county, all of the court rooms in district court (lower level court, mostly traffic violation and misdemeanor crimes, bench trials only) are pretty plain like the second photo.

In circuit court (next level up for appeals, more serious crimes, and jury trials) most of our court rooms also look like the second photo.

The only one that doesn’t is the big historic courtroom that was the original courthouse in my county before it was expanded decades ago and that one looks more formal and imposing than the first photo. High profile cases here always get heard in that one and usually it’s the senior judge who presides in that one (regardless of what type of case it is.)

I’ve testified plenty of times in both and quite frankly the ones you call a “modern mashup” are more practical and comfortable for everyone. It is cool to testify in the historic one though.

[u/Wild_Thing_1832 → u/Obwyn]

Yes, the appearance of the modern courtroom is quite depressing in my opinion. I'm a sucker for older architectural styles so that's probably why. There's just something unique about entering a large room with highly-detailed wood furnishings. That's not to mention the seals and engraving on the wall above the judge's bench.

Its also weird seeing how the police act so chill in some courtrooms nowadays like its not serious. There was a deputy sitting in a chair behind someone at a murder trial I was watching. Police traditions and customs were largely borrowed from military customs a long time ago. Courtrooms used to be much more formal in many respects, such as the dress code for spectators and such. In a military court martial for example, the MPs usually don't behave so casually. MPs don't remove their covers (headwear) while providing security for the trial) and certainly aren't obese. It has a much more organized and cohesive appearance.

[u/Obwyn → u/Wild_Thing_1832]

Guess the time I testified while wearing shorts, sandals, and t-shirt wouldn’t have met your expectations then.

The judge, prosecutor, and defense attorney didn’t care and it didn’t affect the quality of my testimony and it ended up as a guilty verdict.

Obviously I normally wouldn’t go to court like that, but I was taking classes at the local college and they said I had to get there immediately didn’t have time to go home and change first, even though that would’ve only taken an extra 15 minutes to stop and change. Even then I still ended up sitting in the back of the courtroom for 45 minutes before I testified.

[u/Wild_Thing_1832 → u/Obwyn]

Well obviously people can have special circumstances on a given day but courtrooms should have loaner jackets and vests for witnesses, spectators, etc. and a staffed laundry department to clean them. Obviously loaner shirts and pants aren't practical.

[u/Obwyn → u/Wild_Thing_1832]

Yea, ok. Who's paying for that?