Rethinking Courtroom Ergonomics: Is Courtroom Design Quietly Affecting Justice?

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of ergonomics?

It's probably a height adjustable desk, a curved keyboard or task chair.

But, have you ever thought about difficulty focusing, making decisions, problem-solving or collaborating? That is part of ergonomics too. And while it involves the comfort of the workstation, it also has everything to do with the habits and behaviors of the person at the workstation—the human factor. As an ergonomics consultant, most clients reach out because they or their employee is experiencing pain, which impacts their cognitive and emotional health. Rarely do they reach out for a lower attention span, even though that can be a byproduct of poor ergonomic setup and habits.

I was recently conducting assessments in several courtrooms. The furniture is fixed and what amazed me was the long hours that people sit in the same position—especially during trials. Everyone—the Judge, Court Reporters, Courtroom Deputies and Jurors.

Although I wasn't assessing the juror setup, I couldn't help but notice the lack of adjustability in their chairs and how closely they were seated to one another. In these courtrooms, jurors sit in rigid postures for hours on end, tasked with absorbing complex testimony, tracking timelines, and making decisions that impact the course of people’s lives. There was little support—physically or mentally—for the level of sustained attention and cognitive clarity their role demands. And if it is like this in these courtrooms, how many others are similar across the country? It had me thinking big and about how it could be better.

The Hidden Cost of Ignoring Mental Fatigue

We know from decades of cognitive science that sustained attention deteriorates significantly after 30–45 minutes of focused effort (for many, it is shorter). This is called the vigilance decrement, and it affects us all—even the most diligent juror.

Like all of us, without periodic breaks and downtime, jurors are likely to reach attentional depletion, leading to:

• Lower accuracy in processing key information.

• Increased susceptibility to distractions or emotional reactions.

• Impaired decision quality, particularly a reliance on shortcuts or default judgments.

In a study of judicial decision-making published in PNAS, parole boards granted far fewer approvals later in the day, except if following a food or rest break. Imagine what’s happening in a jury box after hours of sitting without reprieve. And, like parole boards, jurors are making life-impacting decisions.

Ergonomics Is Not Just About the Body—It’s About Performance

Comfort supports cognition. When people are uncomfortable—whether it’s back pain from a static chair or mental fatigue from hours of uninterrupted testimony—their ability to focus, reason, collaborate and make sound judgments decreases.

An expanded view of courtroom ergonomics considers more than posture and furniture. Factors like prolonged sitting, poor lighting, infrequent breaks, and even mild dehydration can directly influence the decisions made in court—decisions that change lives.

A Better Path Forward: Practical Recommendations

If I could implement just a few key changes based on research and experience, here’s what I’d recommend:

1. Build in movement breaks every 30–45 minutes. Even just standing, stretching, or walking helps restore blood flow, attention, and executive function. Drinking water during breaks can also help focus.

2. Include micro-restorative practices—like guided breathing or meditation—especially before jurors begin deliberations. A 3-5 minute centering practice in the jury room could recalibrate the nervous system and support more grounded, thoughtful dialogue and clearer decisions.

3. Evaluate and upgrade seating to allow for adjustability, comfort, and postural variation. Jurors are not just spectators—they are decision-makers. Their comfort matters.

The Bottom Line

Cognitive performance is a critical part of courtroom ergonomics (actually, all ergonomics). 

When jurors are supported physically and mentally, fairness, clarity, and justice are enhanced.

Jurors are being asked to hold complex facts, deliberate under pressure, and make life-altering decisions. That kind of responsibility deserves more than a static chair and hours of sustained mental strain.

When courtrooms and trial protocols prioritize cognitive clarity and comfort, jurors are better equipped to sustain focus, remain present, and deliver thoughtful, fair decisions.

At Somersault Wellness, our holistic approach blends physical comfort with cognitive performance — helping you or your team stay sharp, energized, and engaged throughout the day. Whether you’re in a courtroom, boardroom, or home office, I help you create a setup that supports how you feel and function.

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