Courthouse

A public building where courts conduct legal proceedings. It may also house judges’ chambers, court administration, and services such as recordkeeping or jury facilities.

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Courtroom: A room where a judge or other judicial officer hears legal proceedings. Trials and hearings take place in the courthouse’s central public space.
Trial court: A court that hears cases at first instance, examining evidence and determining facts. Many courthouses host the trial courts where cases begin.
Roman basilica: A large ancient Roman public building used for activities including law, commerce, and administration. Its civic hall form influenced later spaces used for public justice.
Open court principle: The principle that court proceedings should generally be accessible to the public. Public galleries make this legal principle tangible in courthouse architecture.
Judge's chambers: A judge’s private office used for legal work and meetings. Judges use chambers for work that does not occur in open court.
Family court: A court that handles legal matters involving families, such as custody and divorce. Some courthouses contain specialized spaces for sensitive family proceedings.
Medieval law courts: Institutions that administered law in Europe during the Middle Ages. Their practices preceded the specialized courthouse as a distinct civic building.
Court accessibility: The provision of physical and procedural access to courts for people with disabilities and other needs. Entrances, circulation, and hearing spaces can enable or obstruct equal participation.
Jury room: A room where jurors gather during a trial, often for deliberations. Courthouses provide jurors secure spaces apart from public proceedings.
Small claims court: A court that resolves lower-value civil disputes through simplified procedures. Courthouses may provide accessible hearing rooms for small claims cases.