Judge Allen Robinson Cornelius was the first judge to preside over the Division III Criminal Court in 1968. He spent his professional career from 1958 to his retirement serving in county level criminal and appeals courts. Image courtesy of the Metro Nashville Archives.

Metro Treasurer Robert Puryear stands in a cleared cell of financial records on the 7th floor of the courthouse in 1986. Image courtesy of Metro Nashville Archives.

In the spring of 1968, civil rights protestors took to the streets and courthouse, meeting with Mayor Beverly Briley about continued racial segregation and violence in the city. In this photo, demonstrators filled the courthouse lobby. Image courtesy of the Metro Nashville Archives.

In March 1960, attorneys defended students protestors on trial for sit-ins at local stores and lunch counters. Pictured from left to right, the attorneys are Adolpho A. Birch, Robert E. Lillard, Coyness L Ennix, Sr., and Avon Williams Jr. The attorneys defended students in the Davidson County Courthouse. Image courtesy of Nashville Public Library.

AA Birch addresses the crowd at the dedication of the A.A. Birch Criminal Justice Building in 2006. Birch was the first Black chief justice of the Tennessee Supreme Court starting in 1996, and the building dedication coincided with his retirement from the court. Image courtesy of Metro Photographic Services.

Judge Allen Robinson Cornelius was the first judge to preside over the Division III Criminal Court in 1968. He spent his professional career from 1958 to his retirement serving in county level criminal and appeals courts. Image courtesy of the Metro Nashville Archives.

City Hall and Public Square

Stop 5 of 8

Judicial Branch, Fifth Floor

Hello, I’m Mayor Freddie O’Connell. Welcome to what’s known as the Judicial Floor here in Nashville’s Historic Courthouse and City Hall. While legislative debates unfold on the second floor, this level is home to Circuit Court and Chancery Court judges’ chambers, courtrooms, and offices where law is interpreted and upheld for the people of Davidson County. Nashville’s court system dates back to the early 1800s, but by the 1930s, the growing city needed a modern courthouse. Fun Fact: Opened in 1937, these courtrooms have witnessed nearly a century of legal history from criminal trials to naturalization ceremonies. Offices for courthouse staff occupy the third and fourth floors.

If a courtroom is open today, step inside to see original features like carved woodwork, frosted glass doors, and elevated judges’ benches. If not, be sure to explore the image carousel at the top of the page. The architectural details throughout this floor—Tennessee marble, walnut paneling, bronze fixtures, and the large clocks at each end of the hallway—reflect the building’s Art Deco design.

From the north-facing windows near the elevators, you can spot two important court-related buildings. The brick structure with the cupola is the Ben West Building, originally the City Market Building and later named for Mayor Ben West, who served from 1951 to 1963. Just beside it stands the A.A. Birch Building, completed in 2006 and home to 16 more courtrooms, including the Davidson County Criminal Court.

Named for Adolpho A. Birch, the first African American Chief Justice of the Tennessee Supreme Court, the building features a statue of Lady Justice and the quote: “The first duty of society is justice.” You can learn more about Justice Birch on two driving tours: Jefferson Street and North Nashville Community Leaders.

Did You Know? Civil Rights activist Kwame Leo Lillard was a Nashville native, graduate of Pearl High School and Tennessee State University, Freedom Rider, and later Metro Council member. He also played a key role in installing Witness Walls, the public art exhibit outside on the west side of this building, honoring the Nashville Sit-Ins.

Trivia Question: Which Civil Rights leader attended college in Nashville, participated in the sit-ins, spoke at the 1963 March on Washington, and served over 30 years in Congress? Stay tuned for the answer in the tour conclusion.

To learn more about justice and social movements, explore our Civil Rights and Women’s Rights tours on Nashville Sites.

When you’re ready, head back downstairs using the elevator or stairs. We’re returning to the first floor–head towards the signs for the Office of the Mayor and click Next Stop.

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