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The Spaces of Justice

The Architecture of the Scottish Court

By: Peter Robson, Johnny Rodger

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eBook | 13 August 2017

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This book looks at the architecture of the courts in Scotland and the importance of these civic spaces. Given the importance of courts to the legal experience it starts by exploring why scholars have been so reticent in examining spaces in which the administration of justice takes place. It notes the major changes already unfolding in Scotland and puts these into a historical and cultural context. The authors trace the emergence of the notion of the dedicated courtroom space in 19^th century Scotland and the ways in which the courtroom setting affected the exercise of power through law. They show what factors led to the adoption of different architectural styles. They examine the changes in the legal, political and social world which drove such changes and how these changed in the 20^th and 21^st centuries. They also examine the symbolic functions of courts both internally and externally. They note the changes in the decision-makers and their goals in the 21^st century and how this will lead to a very different kind of courtroom in the near future. They examine the wider factors affecting the process of litigation and trends in dispute resolution. They conclude that the goals of transparency and civil dignity have serious implications for the kinds of spaces which will serve as halls of justice in the future. Since these are driven, it seems, by financial imperatives it does not bode well for the retention of civic pride and community which the courts of justice might be said to embody.

Industry Reviews

A marvelous and insightful book. Original, thought-provoking and timely, it makes us see the places and spaces of law and justice in a new way. Interdisciplinary work at its best, the authors raise important questions about the courts and justice. The book uses the history and development of the legal system to help better us understand contemporary debates. Highly recommended.