Queen Elizabeth II Law Courts, Liverpool facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Queen Elizabeth II Law Courts |
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Queen Elizabeth II Law Courts
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| General information | |
| Address | Queen Elizabeth II Law Courts, Derby Square |
| Town or city | Liverpool |
| Coordinates | 53°24′15″N 2°59′23″W / 53.4041°N 2.9896°W |
| Completed | 1984 |
| Client | Her Majesty's Courts Service |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Farmer and Dark |
The Queen Elizabeth II Law Courts are an important building in Liverpool, England. They are located in Derby Square. This building is where different types of legal cases are heard. It is used by the Crown Court, the Magistrates' Court, and the Youth Court. It also handles matters related to wills and estates.
History of the Law Courts
Before the mid-1980s, all major court cases in Liverpool took place at St George's Hall. However, as Liverpool grew, more and more court cases were happening. A new, more modern building was needed to handle both serious and less serious legal matters.
The place chosen for the new courts had a long history. A castle, called Liverpool Castle, stood there from the 1200s to the 1700s. Building the new courts began in 1973. The design team, Farmer and Dark, wanted the building to look strong and important.
The building was finished in 1984 and cost about £43.4 million. It was designed in a style called "brutalist." This style often uses strong, simple shapes and materials like concrete. The building has dark, reddish concrete panels with vertical lines. In 2015, the Liverpool Magistrates Court also moved its cases to this building from its old location on Dale Street.
Architecture and Design
The architects, Farmer and Dark, designed the building with tall towers on its north and south sides. These towers were made to remind people of the old Liverpool Castle. Some people have described the building's look as "powerful" and "sculptural."
On the front of the building, there is a very large version of the Royal coat of arms. This symbol represents the King or Queen and the government. It is four meters wide and made from concrete. A British artist named Richard Kindersley created this impressive piece.
Inside, the Queen Elizabeth II Law Courts have 28 courtrooms. These rooms are spread out over 10 floors. The interior design includes strips of brown ceramic tiles. These tiles are placed between the windows of the staircase towers.
Important Cases Heard Here
Many important legal cases have been heard at the Queen Elizabeth II Law Courts. These cases help to decide important legal matters and ensure fairness in the community. The court plays a key role in the justice system for Liverpool and the surrounding area.
