US Federal Courthouse – New York, NY

Thurgood Marshall United States Courthouse

The Thurgood Marshall United States Courthouse, located at 40 Foley Square (also known as 40 Centre Street), is a monumental federal building in Lower Manhattan. It houses the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. Completed in 1936 and designed by renowned architect Cass Gilbert, the building is a striking example of Classical Revival architecture, featuring a massive granite tower and a signature gold-leaf pyramid roof. This courthouse handles some of the most high-profile federal cases in the country, involving constitutional law, white-collar crime, and major civil litigation. Named after Thurgood Marshall, the first African-American Supreme Court Justice, the building stands as a symbol of federal justice and history.

Judicial Functions

• Appellate Court: Home to the Second Circuit, which hears appeals from federal district courts in New York, Connecticut, and Vermont.
• District Court: Conducts federal civil and criminal trials under the jurisdiction of the Southern District of New York (SDNY).
• Legal History: The site of numerous historic trials and legal precedents that have shaped American jurisprudence.
• Ceremonial Events: Hosts naturalization ceremonies and investitures of new judges.

Security and Visiting Policies

Security at the Thurgood Marshall Courthouse is extremely strict. Visitors must pass through airport-style magnetometers and x-ray screening. Unlike many state courts, electronics are generally prohibited for the general public; cell phones, cameras, and recording devices are typically not allowed inside and there are no storage lockers provided. Visitors should bring a physical ID and minimal personal belongings. Attorneys with proper bar passes may be exempt from some device restrictions.

Architecture and Design

The building is a designated National Historic Landmark. Its design includes a 37-story tower rising from a six-story base, with a grand colonnade facing Foley Square. The interior features ornate courtrooms, marble lobbies, and historic murals. It sits adjacent to the Daniel Patrick Moynihan U.S. Courthouse and faces the bustling Foley Square plaza.