Introduction to the Hall of Justice
The grande dame of law-and-order anchoring the Los Angeles Civic Center is 100 years old. The Los Angeles County Hall of Justice was feted by the county sheriff, the district attorney, and the medical examiner on Monday, March 10, who celebrated its centennial with an anniversary cake, a tour, and remarks about the history of this imposing edifice and famous Los Angeles landmark.
History of the Hall of Justice
“Today we celebrate our 100-year anniversary of the Hall of Justice — one of the most beautiful and historically significant buildings in California enforcement heritage. It is also an icon in our national law enforcement history,” said Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna. The Beaux Arts building was built in 1925, with the cornerstone laid on Jan. 26, 1925. The 14-story, 550,000 square-foot building was the nation’s first consolidated judicial facility. Besides the Sheriff’s Department, it at one time housed the offices of the district attorney, coroner, public defender, and tax collector.
Notable Events and Inmates
When built, it housed 17 courtrooms and a county jail with more than 750 cells. Some of the prisoners who served time in the jail cells included mobster Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel, cult leader Charles Manson, and Sirhan Sirhan, who killed U.S. Sen. Robert Kennedy. Besides being a backdrop for Hollywood movies and cop-genre TV shows of the 1960s and 1970s including “Dragnet” and “Get Smart,” it was also the place where the autopsies of Sen. Kennedy, Marilyn Monroe, William Holden, Natalie Wood, and John Belushi were performed.
Restoration and Current State
The building sustained major damage after the 1994 Northridge Earthquake and was shuttered for 20 years, with the Sheriff’s Department and the D.A.’s offices moving to other locations. In 2014, renovations and seismic upgrades were completed, and the building reopened with the two tenants once again occupying the now-remodeled concrete and steel building, the exterior clad in granite and ornamental terra cotta. The jail cells and courtrooms are gone, and many were made into offices or conference rooms.
Comments from Officials
District Attorney Nathan Hochman remembers walking by the building as a boy and later, after the 1994 earthquake, as a U.S. attorney, wondering if it would ever be used again. He was elected in November, just months before the 100th anniversary. His offices occupy the upper floors of the building. “It feels like an old friend, to inspire us to do better and to actually achieve justice in our society,” he said. Sheriff Luna concluded, “Here’s to the next 100 years. May we honor justice and the community we serve through this beautiful building.”
Conclusion
The Hall of Justice is a significant part of Los Angeles’ history and a symbol of justice in the community. Its rich history, including its construction, notable inmates, and restoration, makes it an important landmark in the city. As it celebrates its 100th anniversary, it continues to serve as a reminder of the importance of justice and the role it plays in the community.
FAQs
- Q: When was the Hall of Justice built?
- A: The Hall of Justice was built in 1925.
- Q: What is the architectural style of the Hall of Justice?
- A: The Hall of Justice is a Beaux Arts building.
- Q: What significant events have occurred at the Hall of Justice?
- A: The Hall of Justice has been the site of notable events, including the autopsies of famous individuals such as Sen. Kennedy and Marilyn Monroe.
- Q: Who are some of the notable inmates who have been held at the Hall of Justice?
- A: Some notable inmates include Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel, Charles Manson, and Sirhan Sirhan.
- Q: What is the current state of the Hall of Justice?
- A: After being damaged in the 1994 Northridge Earthquake and undergoing renovations, the Hall of Justice reopened in 2014 and continues to serve as a significant building in the Los Angeles Civic Center.
