Philadelphia Bar Association Chancellor Jen Coatsworth issued the following statement in support of increased security for the First Judicial District. The statement was made in response to a December 9 Administrative Order from Court of Common Pleas President Judge Nina Wright Padilla and Municipal Court President Judge T. Francis Shields along with the Administrative Judges from each division, requiring the Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office to within the next 30 days make plans for increasing court security, including staffing entrances to court buildings; security patrols throughout public areas and courtrooms, and plans for safe and efficient transport of prisoners.
“Secure courtrooms are a cornerstone access to justice issue. In order for our court system to work effectively, judges must be able to do their jobs without fear of retribution. Attorneys, court staff and the public must feel safe working and conducting business in our court buildings,” Coatsworth said. “The First Judicial District’s order notes that there was a 140% increase in security incidents in Philadelphia Courts from 2022 to 2023, with 2024 on pace to exceed the 2023 number. This disturbing rise in incidents not only creates a safety risk, but also make it challenging for the courts to ensure that cases are heard in a timely manner and that litigants in already stressful situations do not experience additional trauma related to a lack of security.”
“We call on the Sheriff’s Office, the Mayor’s Office, City Council, and the First Judicial District to immediately embark on a collaborative effort to ensure that Philadelphia Courts are safe, secure and adequately staffed with law enforcement personnel. Our Association stands ready to assist in this process in any way possible, as we believe it is imperative to preserving respect for the rule of law, an independent judiciary and faith in an equitable justice system.”
