PART 9: HOW DO WE DISTANCE WHEN IT’S COLD?

First things first, this will be the only Game of Thrones reference made by this SDL. The SDL, may or may not, have a habit of “jumping in” to a series several years into the program. Instead of binge watching, the SDL may like to ask some very innocent questions about what happened in prior episodes. This habit caused the SDL to be unfairly mocked and vilified by his co-workers, especially those who were committed to the show.

Anyway, “Winter is coming” was the motto of the House of Stark. It signifies being prepared for the coming of the cold and winter which hits their lands the hardest (I guess those frozen dead people aren’t cold). According to the internet, the phrase also meant fair warning and constant vigilance to the people of the North for the challenges of cold weather.

It is well established that the two coldest and windiest places on Earth are (1) the parking lot of the Meadowlands before and after New York Giants football games and (2) the Grand Concourse where the Bronx Supreme (trial level) Court is located. Even though it is nice and warm in NYC this July, we all know that will not last. In 2019, there was measurable snow in December which really is not that far away. Now, fair warning is given by the SDL.

There has been no substantial mention of in-person court appearances from the NYC courts as of yet. However, the SDL worries about those details that many do not focus on in the complicated court system. The Bronx Courthouse is a great but very old building. The courthouse was built in 1933 as a public project during the Great Depression. It is reported to cost $8 million to construct the nine-story edifice. The courthouse must have dated air-handling systems (we know it has dated elevators). The building overlooks Yankee Stadium (#LGM) and its elevation on a Bronx hill, makes it cold and windy outside. 

In normal times (especially on days with new jurors being called), the Bronx Courthouse can have substantial lines in security to enter the building. These lines can extend out the doors into the elements. Usually, people huddle close and try to push in to get close to the warmth of the old building. The SDL understands that warming tents could be used to help shield people from the elements. We know that security will be challenged even further by the necessary use of masks and gloves. In addition, the SDL is concerned the entrances to courthouses could become a COVID-19 spreading area.

While the SDL certainly is an advocate of social distancing, even he is not a huge fan of being an “online lawyer.” Going to court in states like New York is an experience. It can be loud, unruly, and disorganized but that is the charm of it. The SDL can manage the morass to get to things done especially with many experienced colleagues.

However, as this strange year progresses and as it gets colder, we will move inside again. The SDL has expressed concerns (and offered solutions) about the court-system backlog. But what about the physical plaints of buildings we have taken for granted? Small courtrooms, tight hallways, slow elevators and so many physical points of contact exist. It is doubtful that modern filtration systems will be found in courthouses that are relics from the past.

Winter is coming.