Legal Research

Rent a Court

By Simon Fodden

I visited the website of the new UK Supreme Court (UKSuC?) recently — it’s a good-looking site, better, in my estimation than the new US Supreme Court site and, alas, our own — but I have to confess I was shocked to see what amounts to a real estate ad front and nearly centre on the home page. Three images are featured in boxes leading to important content. The one on the right is an advert for the renting of the Supreme Court building as a venue for events:

click image to enlarge

The text at the other end of the link reads as follows:

Situated at the heart of historic Parliament Square, the home of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom offers a unique guest experience.

Opposite world famous landmarks such as Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, the home of the Supreme Court in the recently restored Grade II* listed Middlesex Guildhall is available for a variety of events.

A Gothic style building built in 1913, it provides a highly prestigious setting for dinners and receptions which are sure to capture the imagination.

Eye-catching features include majestic ceilings, intricate carved beams, an abundance of exquisite stained glass and world famous artwork. New artwork was also incorporated throughout the building as part of the extensive renovation.

I knew Britain was hard up for money, but this seems to me to be just a little too much. Tacky. Or am I way too “old skool” on this?

Full post as published by Slaw.ca on November 05, 2010 (boomark / email).