How did courts react in response to the September 11, 2001 attacks?
The terrorist attacks in New York City left the Manhattan courthouse in turmoil and chaos. It was inaccessible to the public; prosecutors and defense attorneys lost access to phones, files, and computers; and police were unavailable. The court of claims courthouse was destroyed, and other Manhattan courthouses were in a zone deemed unsafe for the public. Chief Judge Judith S. Kaye guided recovery of the court system immediately following the attacks by pledging that the Manhattan courthouses would reopen as soon as possible and get back to business as usual. This decision led judges to work quickly and efficiently toward that goal.The courts kept up communication with attorneys and the public with makeshift systems. Cell phones were obtained, and new phone lists distributed. Emergency information centers served as clearinghouses for information on missing persons and provided information in a timely manner to reduce public anxiety. Courts worked to limit the effects of the Manhattan co
