Introduction
A courtroom is the heart of a courthouse and is central to the judicial system of the United States. It can be viewed as a physical space in which a court of law is held, and plaintiffs and defendants argue their claims in the presence of a judge, jurors, and spectators. As a courtroom can host people with a history of violence and bring together individuals who have strong opinions about each other, it is paramount to ensure the safety of the involved persons. Due to the potential danger to the life and well-being of different stakeholders, courthouses and courtrooms should be equipped with CCTV, have access control and restricted areas, and install walled-off quadrants to guarantee protection.
Using CCTV to Ensure a Safe and Secure Courthouse
CCTV in courtroom proceedings is paramount to maintaining a safe and secure environment. CCTV, or closed-circuit television, is the use of video surveillance via cameras that transmit the signal to a limited number of monitors (Carlsen, 2019). National Center for State Courts (2020b) argues that all courtrooms, holding areas, restricted circulation hallways, public spaces, parking, exits, and approaches to a courthouse should be monitored via CCTV. Visible cameras may deter violence in a courthouse, protect court employees, and provide evidence of wrongdoings if necessary.
History and Importance of CCTV in Courtrooms
Although the first video surveillance system dates back to 1927, it did not gain popularity until the 1970s with the rise of VCR technology (Carlsen, 2019). The importance of CCTV in a courtroom cannot be understated, as it ensures the safety of the involved personnel and allows access to court proceedings after they have concluded.
The Role of Access Control in Courthouse Safety and Security
A vital safety measure in courthouses is access restriction to critical areas. National Center for State Courts (2020a) defines access control systems as “control entry to restricted areas of the building” (para. 6). Restricted areas of a courthouse include all non-public spaces that allow the authorized personnel entry via the use of access codes or key cards (National Center for State Courts, 2020a). It is crucial to limit public access to certain areas of the court, particularly those where judges and other court employees work and detainees are held before proceedings commence. In addition, storage facilities within a courthouse should be secured (Thacker, 2021).
Examples of Restricted Areas in a Courthouse
For example, not allowing free admission to the judge’s chambers ensures the safety of the presiding official. At the same time, restricted access to holding areas prevents others from causing defendants harm and hinders the legal course of justice. Furthermore, as courthouse documents may contain personal information of court employees, various officials, jurors, victims, defendants, and witnesses, access to them should be highly restricted to guarantee their safety.
Pros and Cons of Using Four-Foot Walled-Off Quadrants
Using four-foot walled-off separate quadrants for judge and jurors, defendants and their legal representatives, plaintiffs, and spectators would improve the security in a courthouse. Specifically, walled-off areas can hinder unwanted physical contact between the involved parties. Furthermore, physical barriers between defendants, victims, and the public may reassure the latter in severe criminal cases.
However, clear plastic or reinforced glass walls are recommended to ensure visibility. According to Gurbiel (2018), approximately 80% of a sender’s message is received through their behavior and body language rather than chosen words. Therefore, a courtroom’s safety and security measures should not interrupt the interpretation of the complete message transmission by concerned stakeholders.
Conclusion
In summary, the safety and security of courthouses should be ensured by implementing several measures. Video surveillance of courtrooms and public areas can serve as a preventive step against violence and provide evidence of transgressions committed on the premises of the courthouse by the attendees or employees. Meanwhile, access control prevents the entry of unauthorized persons to restricted areas to protect court employees and detainees and secure necessary documentation. Although walled-off quadrants can meaningfully add to the security measures in a courtroom, it is crucial to guarantee they do not impede courtroom proceedings.
References
Carlsen, J. (2019). When did security cameras come out? ASecureLife. Web.
Gurbiel, A. (2018). The importance of the body language and the nonverbal signals in the courtroom in the criminal proceedings. The outline of the problem. World Scientific News, 112, 74-84. Web.
National Center for State Courts. (2020a). Alarm and control systems. NCSC. Web.
National Center for State Courts. (2020b). Video surveillance. NCSC. Web.
Thacker, G. (2021). Federal courthouse. Whole Building Design Guide. Web.