Chapter 4: Courtrooms
durability, functionality, and quality of furniture must reflect the aesthetics and
dignity of the courtroom. Furniture must be wear- and stain-resistant. For
information regarding furniture in courtrooms, see Table 4.1.
Furniture in courtrooms must be functionally and aesthetically designed so that all
participants can see and hear one another clearly. The relative heights of furniture
and the dimensions of worksurfaces for the judge, courtroom deputy clerk, witness,
court reporter/recorder, jurors, attorneys, and litigants are critical to efficient
courtroom operation. Durable materials are used at points where routine use would
damage, discolor, or soil materials, such as in areas at head rests on jury and
spectator chairs and electrical switchplate locations.
All built-in furniture, such as the judge's bench; courtroom deputy, law clerk and
court reporter stations; jury and witness boxes; railing; and gates, must be custom
millwork items meeting AWI requirements. Premium-grade, hardwood veneer
panels and solid hardwood, stained and finished with a transparent sealer, should be
used.
The judge's bench, as well as the courtroom deputy and court reporter stations,
must accommodate audio system electronic sound recording equipment and
electronic data devices (computers or terminals), with necessary openings in the
worksurfaces drilled or cored to accommodate cabling fitted with grommets, sized
to the opening.
Security
Security and Alarm Systems
The security and alarm systems protecting the courtrooms and associated areas
consist of equipment determined by the USMS and interconnected with the USMS
Command and Control Center. The connection allows for emergency response to
duress alarm devices, and audio/video monitoring of defendants in the central cell
area.
The power supply and grounding systems for security systems must be obtained
from a dedicated "clean power" source, and connected to a separate, dedicated
grounding system.
12/19/97
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