Justice for the Common Man

Justice for the Common Man. Did You Know?. , When Cape Girardeau was originally platted in 1806, a square was dedicated to public, common use. Court was held in a simple, wooden structure on Themis St. several blocks west of the riverfront. , Under English law, violations against government laws or involving nobility such as lords, knights or barons were heard in Royal Courts: King's or Queen's benches. Cases involving common people or common suits were heard in Courts of Common Pleas. Many courts in the early U.S. kept that distinction, and common pleas courts became relatively common. Today, these have been largely replaced by general courts. Four common pleas courts were established in Missouri; two courts still exist today. However, only one, on the hill behind you, remains in its original building. , In 1851, the growing city authorized the building of a courthouse on the public square. The structure was completed in 1854 by local architect/craftsman Joseph Lansmann who also built the Church of St. Vincent, Cathedral of St. Mary and other structures in town. , During the Civil War, the building was used by the local provost marshal to enforce martial law in Missouri. After the war, the building continued its original purpose and also served as City Hall. , In 1888, major extensions were added to both sides and the back of the building. A cupola and portico were added to the front. The changes turned the Federalist building into the Classical Revival style, typical of the times. In the 1950s, an expansion was added to the back, but it did not change the style. , After more than 150 years, the Common Pleas Courthouse remains an historic symbol of Cape Girardeau's rich river heritage. , [photo captions] , . 59 steps led down to the riverfront area. In 1900, the native sandstone blocks were replaced by the current concrete steps. , . Themis was named after the Greek goddess of justice who is portrayed wearing a blindfold and holding the balances of justice. , . The original structure of 1854 was a simple, rectangular, Federalist-style building with no portico or cupola. These were added nearly 35 years later.