Robinson Courtroom Renovation
See 'before' images of Robinson Courtroom at the bottom of this page.
View of Robinson Courtroom from outside Courtroom entrance following renovation.
View of Robinson Courtroom from from the judge's bench following renovation.
Other photographs of the Courtroom during renovation:
April 26-30 |
May 1-2 |
May 16, June 1 |
June 5-13 |
June 14-20 |
June 25-July 2 |
July 3-10 |
July 11-25 |
August 2-17 |
September 27
Washburn University School of Law is pleased to announce substantial completion of the Robinson Courtroom renovation that began April 2001. Robinson Courtroom had remained virtually unchanged since it was completed in 1969. The need to update and upgrade the courtroom has been a law school priority and was made possible through a generous donation by Bernie Bianchino '74 and other contributors.
The renovation updates Robinson Courtroom with state of the art technology so students and faculty have a learning environment suitable for 21st century practice. Courtrooms at both the federal and state levels provide litigants with various technologies to assist with the presentation of their case. In order for Washburn Law graduates to compete in the trial arena they must be familiar with modern courtroom environments and be prepared to operate and use the equipment at their disposal.
Technology added to Robinson Courtroom includes:
- Flat-screen display monitors at the judge's bench, counsel tables, and witness stand to assist with the viewing of evidence;
- Installation of an attorney's podium containing a control panel touchscreen, flat-screen display, and document camera to assist with the presentation of evidence;
- Installation of video cameras in the Courtroom and the attached Robing/Jury Deliberation Room to provide viewing of the activities in each.
It is anticipated Trial Advocacy classes will use Robinson Courtroom to train students how to present evidence persuasively with modern computer technology and graphics. Videotaping equipment can record student performances of mock trial exercises so they may be critiqued by Trial Advocacy instructors. The addition of courtroom technology training to the Legal Skills curriculum through small group hands-on instruction will increase students' comfort with the use of these tools.
In addition to the technology, Robinson Courtroom was modified to be compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. New carpeting, drapes, and darkening shades were installed. As a result of the generous donations made by more than eighty individuals and groups during a special campaign, the seating in the gallery and jury box was re-upholstered.
View of Robinson Courtroom from northeast corner prior to renovation.
View of Robinson Courtroom from southwest corner prior to renovation.
View of Robinson Courtroom from southeast corner prior to renovation.
