Federal judiciary asks for control of courthouses
The Hill
by Ashleigh FieldsFebruary 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The federal judiciary has formally requested authority to take control of courthouses across the country for improved maintenance and management. This move comes after over a decade of unresolved issues with justice buildings, as highlighted in letters sent by Judge Robert J. Conrad Jr., director of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, to Vice President Kamala Harris and bipartisan congressional leaders. The proposal aims to streamline operations, address long-standing infrastructure problems, and ensure consistent standards across federal courthouses.
Currently, courthouses are managed by individual states or local jurisdictions, which has led to inconsistent maintenance practices and aging facilities. Judge Conrad’s letters argue that centralizing control under the federal judiciary would allow for better resource allocation, standardized safety protocols, and more efficient management of court operations. This shift could also address ongoing concerns about outdated infrastructure, security gaps, and rising operational costs.
However, the proposal has sparked discussions about state sovereignty and local governance. Critics argue that transferring authority to the federal government could undermine states’ ability to manage their own judicial systems. Supporters, however, contend that a unified approach is necessary to ensure fair and consistent justice nationwide. The request is part of broader efforts by the judiciary to modernize its operations and address
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Originally published on The Hill on 2/25/2026