Public courthouses exist to serve the people, funded by taxpayers for the express purpose of enabling the public to conduct essential legal affairs. Yet, the imposition of parking fees at these courthouses obstructs our access to justice, putting unnecessary financial burdens on individuals who are simply trying to fulfill civic duties or seek legal resolutions.

Consider this: imagine needing to fight an unjust fine or handle an important personal legal matter, only to find that the expense of parking adds yet another layer of stress and financial strain. For many individuals, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, these fees can pose a significant barrier, discouraging or even preventing them from accessing the legal system entirely.

Public courthouses should not add hidden costs that impede access. In 2019 alone, over 846,000 civil cases were filed in U.S. courts, according to the Federal Judicial Center. That’s hundreds of thousands of people potentially impacted by these fees each year. With every visit, the costs add up, turning a publicly funded institution into yet another financial hurdle.

We propose that local governments eliminate these parking fees at public courthouses, thus removing a financial obstacle that stands in the way of fair and equitable access to our legal institutions. A simple solution could involve reallocating existing courthouse funding or designating a portion of local budgetary funds to cover the cost of maintaining courthouse parking areas.

By signing this petition, you can help us demonstrate to local governments that these fees are an unacceptable barrier to justice and that a change is necessary to ensure that our public institutions truly serve the public. Join us in urging authorities to take immediate action for the sake of fairness and accessibility for all citizens. Sign the petition today to demand change.