Mel Bailey Criminal Justice Center

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The Mel Bailey Criminal Justice Center, located at 809 Richard Arrington, Jr Boulevard North, is Jefferson County's criminal courthouse and 1,075-bed county jail in downtown Birmingham. In addition to courtrooms and jail facilities, the complex houses the offices of the Jefferson County District Attorney.

The 9-story building was designed by Giattina Fisher Aycock Architects and constructed in 1984 at a cost of $17 million. It is named in honor of long-time Sheriff Mel Bailey.

The courthouse and jail have separate entrances from an open plaza on the corner of Abraham Woods Boulevard. A quotation from Cicero, "We are in bondage to the law in order that we may be free," is inscribed above the courthouse doors.

A Branko Medenica sculpture, "Centurion", serves as a memorial to law enforcement officers who lost their lives while on duty. Peanut vendor Berry Perry usually operates in the plaza.

External links

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