Every year in May, the State Bar of Arizona celebrates our members for their artistic ability in the pages of Arizona Attorney Magazine. I am always so impressed by the amazing photographs, paintings, sculptures and overall creativity of so many members. Because I am not at all artistic, I decided to focus this article on the amazing works of art in which we get to practice law around the state … our courthouses.
Arizona has 15 counties, and each county has its own unique courthouses, old and new. I have strived to have in-person appearances in all 15 counties to learn from each part of the state.
My first trial was in 2006 in the Pima County Historic Courthouse. If I had not been so nervous of having a trial, I would really have embraced the experience and been more able to appreciate the beauty of the pink and turquoise dome. I do remember being confused by the metal rungs under the seats in the gallery, which were too wide to hold notepads. It was later explained to me that they were to hold cowboy hats, because hats needed to be removed in the courtroom. I do not know if that is true, but I loved it! Many also may know about the Historic Courthouse because of “America’s Public Enemy No 1,” John Dillinger. According to the website, he was captured in 1934 in Tucson and held in the facility.
Ever since then, I have loved getting to visit historic courthouses throughout our beautiful state. All over the state we have amazing old and historic courthouses that are not only beautiful, but also have amazing and unique stories to tell. Arizona is a beautiful state, and we have a proud legal history.
In downtown Phoenix, when you go in the Old Courthouse, you will see a spiral staircase that leads you up to courtrooms. Originally this building was both a courthouse and the jail. It is now the Maricopa County Justice Museum & Learning Center. I highly recommended touring it as a lawyer and with family. Schools also can schedule a tour to the Justice Museum. You can still see how it used to look by visiting the justice museum on the sixth floor. They have preserved some jail cells, including the one where Ernesto Miranda was held. Retired Justice Sandra Day O’Connor once served on the Maricopa County Superior Court, and her former courtroom was in the Old Courthouse. The unique history always amazes me.
One hundred years of architecture, fifteen counties of character
As you travel around Arizona, you will find several courthouses that are over 100 years old. Many of these are set off in a town square, as in Prescott, or just at the end of a main street. As you walk up the steps of these courthouses, you can feel how they are part of the community. In Bisbee, the art deco structure of the 90-year-old courthouse is so distinct and yet so fitting. The more traditional look of the courthouses in Prescott, Kingman, Clifton, Globe and St. John’s, with the pillars in front, is exactly what one would imagine when you think of a courthouse. They have the feel of formality and dignity that most people associate with courts. La Paz County Courthouse resembles the beautiful Arizona desert.
It is not just the outside of the courthouses that are works of art. The attention to detail inside the courtrooms is amazing too. Usually you can see pictures of the courthouses back when they were built, as you would in a museum. The best part is the feeling you have when trying a case in these impressive structures. In Prescott you could imagine Atticus Finch practicing alongside you. In Flagstaff, the beautiful dark-red large bricks feel so warm even on snowy days. The Graham County Courthouse is traditional and beautiful.
Each county courthouse is unique and reflects the county’s history, and you feel it when appearing in person.
Each county courthouse is unique and reflects the county’s history, and you feel it when appearing in person. Navajo County’s historic courthouse was completed in 1899. Driving down to the border, Santa Cruz County has a historic courthouse, built in 1903, which was listed on National Register of Historic Places in 1977.
In this pandemic world, our trips to actual courthouses have become a bit more limited. More hearings have held via Teams and Zoom. However, the next time you have an in-person court appearance, I encourage you to get there a little early and look at your surroundings and appreciate its history. Take a moment to enjoy these courthouses that are more than just buildings—they are pieces of art.
