Manhattan Criminal Courthouse (Supreme Court, Criminal Term & NYC Criminal Court)

Manhattan Criminal Courthouse

The Manhattan Criminal Courthouse, located at 100 Centre Street, is one of the most active and recognizable judicial facilities in the United States. Serving as the primary hub for the criminal justice system in New York County, this 17-story Art Deco structure houses two distinct courts: the Criminal Court of the City of New York, which handles misdemeanors and arraignments, and the Criminal Term of the New York State Supreme Court, which adjudicates felony cases. Constructed between 1938 and 1941, the building sits on the site of the infamous former prison known as 'The Tombs,' a nickname that still lingers in local parlance. The facility acts as the central intake point for arrests in Manhattan, operating arraignment parts that function well into the night, seven days a week, to process defendants efficiently. The courthouse is also home to offices for the Manhattan District Attorney, the Department of Correction, and the Department of Probation, creating a comprehensive legal ecosystem within a single city block.

Court Operations and Arraignments

The most high-volume operation at 100 Centre Street is the arraignment process. Following an arrest in Manhattan, defendants are typically brought to the Central Booking facility attached to the courthouse before appearing before a judge in the arraignment parts, often located on the first floor. During these proceedings, charges are formally read, and bail conditions are set. While standard court offices operate during regular business hours, the arraignment parts extend their schedule to ensure due process rights are met promptly. For felony matters, cases are transferred to the Supreme Court parts on the upper floors, where grand jury indictments, evidentiary hearings, and jury trials take place. The Clerk's Office serves as the administrative backbone, managing court files, collecting fines, and issuing Certificates of Disposition for closed cases.

Security and Public Access

Security at the Manhattan Criminal Courthouse is extremely tight due to the nature of the cases heard. All visitors, including attorneys and media personnel, must pass through airport-style magnetometers and X-ray screening upon entry. Long lines are common, especially during morning rush hours, so visitors are advised to arrive significantly earlier than their scheduled court appearance. Electronic devices such as cell phones are generally permitted but must be turned off or silenced inside courtrooms; however, photography and video recording are strictly prohibited without a specific judicial order. Taking photographs in the lobby or hallways is also forbidden. The building is accessible to individuals with disabilities, with ramped entrances and elevator access to all floors.

Transit and Location

Situated in the Civic Center neighborhood of Lower Manhattan, the courthouse is surrounded by government buildings and is best accessed via public transportation. Parking in the area is notoriously difficult and expensive, with very limited metered street parking and high-cost private garages. The facility is a short walk from several major subway hubs, making it easily reachable from all five boroughs. Jurors and visitors are strongly encouraged to use the subway or bus system. Inside the building, the atmosphere is bustling and often crowded. Navigating the elevators can take time, and clear signage directs visitors to specific court parts. Interpreters are available for non-English speakers, ensuring that the diverse population of New York City has equal access to court proceedings.