CONTACT: Joan Kenney/Charlotte Whiting
617/557-1114
joan.kenney@sjc.state.ma.us
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 12, 2007


CELEBRATORY OPENING OF NEW PLYMOUTH TRIAL COURT
DRAWS HUGE GATHERING



         The celebration of the opening of the magnificent new Plymouth Trial Court at 52 Obery Street in Plymouth drew hundreds of guests and dignitaries today, including Governor Deval Patrick, Lt Governor Timothy Murray, Supreme Judicial Court Chief Justice Margaret H. Marshall, Senate President Therese Murray, and Chief Justice for Administration and Management Robert A. Mulligan, who was master of ceremonies for the outdoor noon event.          

         The modern, three-story, newly constructed, brick and glass building houses the Plymouth District, Housing, Juvenile, Probate and Family, and Superior Courts, the Plymouth Trial Court Law Library, and a staff office for the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office. It features ten courtrooms, secure detention areas, handicapped accessibility, and state-of-the-art information technology and digital recording capability.

          “Nothing gives me greater pleasure or pride than to celebrate the rejuvenation of our judicial branch,” said Chief Justice Marshall. “This building is a tribute to the commitment of the leaders of all three branches of government to improve and modernize courthouses throughout this Commonwealth. This courthouse’s architecture symbolizes that it belongs not to judges, clerks and lawyers; it belongs to 'we the people.'”

         “This new facility is truly a community project,” said Governor Patrick. It brings together all five court departments in Plymouth, allowing them to save resources and make the courts more accessible, both literally and figuratively, to those they serve. This development is beneficial to the Plymouth economy and is a blueprint for successful projects across the Commonwealth.”

         The 189,000 square-foot courthouse was designed by Perry Dean Rogers/ Partners/Architects and constructed by Gilbane Building Company. Construction began in May 2005 and was completed this summer. The total cost of the project was $71 million with funding from the 1998 Court Facilities Bond Bill.

         “Since I was first elected to the Senate, we have been working to provide the Plymouth County Courts with a building that meets their ever-increasing needs," Senate President Murray said. “With patience and perseverance, we were able to get to this day. This is a courthouse for the 21st century, where state-of-the-art courtrooms, office space and holding cells will allow our justice system to work to its fullest potential.”

         Chief Justice Mulligan said, “This building clearly signals that our Commonwealth truly values justice. The beauty, functionality and solidity displayed here underscore our commitment that all who come to this courthouse will understand justice as the essential cornerstone of a free society.”

         Other speakers at the event included First Justice Thomas Brownell of the Plymouth District Court, Judge Louis Coffin of the Plymouth Juvenile Court, Commissioner David Perini of the Division of Capital Asset Management, Plymouth Representative Vinny deMacedo, and Marshall Johnson of the Plymouth District Bar Association. Music was provided by the Plymouth High School Marching Band.