When attorneys talk about how the historically bustling Philadelphia Criminal Justice Center has become increasingly quiet over the past year, they often mention the ground floor elevator bank, where attorneys, police and the public all cram together waiting for a ride up through the building to the courtrooms. It can still get crowded, according to attorneys, but not the way it used to.

And, as the First Judicial District has closed several criminal courtrooms over the past year, that growing quiet can now be felt more and more throughout the building, attorneys say.

The Legal has learned that, since the beginning of 2018, the FJD has closed seven criminal courtrooms.