Symbolism in the Modern American Courtroom

This article will address some of the common symbolism found in the modern American courtroom and answers common questions such as,  why does a judge wears a black robe?  Why is the judge's bench elevated?  This article will address some of the traditions and symbolism present in a typical American courtroom.  It is important that we remind ourselves of the symbolism because “[c]eremonial ritual achieves its power over the human mind and heart through the manipulation of symbols” Goodsell, Charles T. The Social Meaning of Civic Space: Studying Political Authority through Architecture. Lawrence, Kansas: University of Kansas Press, 1988. Print.In America,...