Philadelphia Criminal Justice Center

Planning a facility for the 21st Century and improving operation of the Judicial System was the foundation for development of the New Philadelphia Criminal Justice Center. In addition to those features typically found in modern criminal courthouses - separation of circulation, adequate facilities for support activities, etc., several unique design features have been incorporated into the functional design of the facility, including the development of a range of courtroom types which will be shared by judges based on case assignment and needs; planning for all courtrooms to be jury capable to provide for unseen changes in caseload; designing all courtrooms for 100% accessibility by the disabled; planning for a totally secure facility; clustering of judicial chambers on three floors to promote collegiality among the judiciary; provisions for electronic information access throughout the facility, including courtrooms; public information access terminals; and the provision of a specialized facility for video arraignment.