Last week the new Duval County Courthouse time capsule was dedicated and unveiled.
Though the courthouse officially opened approximately 20 months earlier, this event celebrated the hard work of those responsible for the new center of Florida state judicial governance in the 4th Judicial Circuit.
Both Mayors John Delaney and John Peyton were acknowledged for recognizing the significant limitations of the former courthouse and commitment to the new courthouse project.
Let’s face it, a new courthouse was not a populist item on either of their political agendas. However, without their efforts, the project would never been completed.
Despite public criticisms and routinely negative editorials, both former mayors recognized the importance of judicial administration in our community.
On the surface, tens of thousands of our citizens walk the halls of our local courthouse each year.
From those seeking to obtain marriage licenses, to those seeking relief in our civil courtrooms or involved in our criminal justice system, the need for a safe place to conduct judicial administration is paramount.
There have already been trials of national significance with attendant media coverage, and our new facilities were up to the task.
But there is a deeper importance that this edifice plays in our community. One thing that sets this country apart from much of the world is our respect for the rule of law.
No matter how contested our political elections have been in recent years, or how divided our community may be over any particular issue, our respect for the court system and ultimately the rule of law, has insulated us from the fears and uncertainties that millions around the work live with every day.
To those who criticized, loudly at times, the cost of the new courthouse project, I would remind them that it is the administration of justice in our courtrooms that has protected their ability to be so boisterous.
Respect for that system, including an appropriate arena for justice to be served, has long been recognized in our community.
As seen in the depiction of the earliest Duval County Courthouse that was on display last week at the ceremony, the original courthouse was constructed with large columns in front with a cupola and bell tower on top. After all, it was the center of city government when it was built. Unfortunately, the fact that it was constructed of wood contributed to its early demise by fire.
Our new courthouse will serve many more constituents for many more years than the original courthouse.
Also, a lot of important decisions will be made in that building before the time capsule is opened 50 years from now.
The fact that the new courthouse is accented with granite is it not a show of ostentation, but rather a reminder of the importance of the work that goes on within this community building. It should be a source of pride for all of us: pride in the rule of law, pride in our city, pride in our state, and ultimately, pride in our country.
Last week’s ceremony also celebrated the hard work of KBJ Architects, the professionals responsible for the courthouse design and Moyer Marble and Tile Co and its employees who were involved with the Courthouse project and ultimately fabricated the time capsule.
In addition to recognizing contributors from the community who deposited items in the capsule, The Jacksonville Bar Association’s citizenship writing award was presented to seventh-grader, Kristina Liao, who earned a $2,500 college scholarship for
her essay on “What Makes America Great.” Bettina Huang and Aditi Anna also earned scholarships for their essays, in the amounts of $1,500 and $1,000, respectively.
Dan Bean always ended his articles with, “It’s a great day to be a Jacksonville lawyer.” As I reflect on last week’s ceremony, and in particular Ms. Liao’s words and our community’s new courthouse, it’s a great day to live in Jacksonville.