For victims and defendants alike, going to court can be intimidating. Even before the proceedings begin, courtrooms convey a sternness in their design: windowless, blank walls, austere furnishings, the distant judge’s bench. But Wake County District Court Judge Sam Hamadani’s courtroom is unusual.
A mural splashed across the back wall from floor to ceiling depicts a mountain range in vibrant sunset colors. Paintings of flowers adorn the other walls. Off to one side is a children’s play area equipped with noise-canceling headphones, books, and art supplies. To the other, there’s a display case full of pamphlets and flyers explaining how court works and advertising supportive resources. The backs of the courtroom pews have been freshly painted to erase years of graffiti.
The holding cell, where juvenile and adult defendants wait before court appearances, has also been repainted to remove graffiti from the walls and floors. The temperature inside has been raised to make it more comfortable. In the courtroom’s two conference rooms, there is a “feelings wheel” and a “needs wheel” to help children—particularly young or neurodivergent children—pinpoint and express what they’re feeling.
Hamadani’s courtroom holds sessions for Juvenile Justice Court, for youth ages 10 to 17 accused of criminal conduct, and Adult Recovery Court, a post-conviction court for adults with severe substance use disorder. Both are geared toward rehabilitation and reducing recidivism. Between March and June of this year, Hamadani transformed her courtroom space to be more conducive to those goals. The mural, the children’s corner, and the other updates are all designed to make court participants feel safer and calmer…