Navarro County

Maybe I’m just used to Dallas, but this was the most run-​down, podunk courthouse I’ve ever been to.
They’re doing some construction, so the only way in is through the basement. Only one out of four entrances to the building was equipped with metal detectors. The other three just had «No Guns Allowed» signs in the window. I set off the metal detector when I came in, but no one seemed to care. Clearly they aren’t too worried about security here. Once inside, it’s a miracle if you can find the restrooms, which requires going through a maintenance area.
I went to three different offices (at the direction of county employees, I wasn’t just wandering about) before I found the right spot to file my court papers. They almost didn’t charge me the appropriate filing fee because the clerk was new and had no idea what she was doing.
The County Court at Law apparently holds its hearings in a conference room, set up with folding tables and stackable chairs. A piece of my chair had broken off and was just sitting on the table. The older gentleman next to me was wearing a suit and a camo hat, which was delightfully odd. There was a sink and coffee maker in the corner, I guess in case anyone got parched halfway through their trial. During the course of the morning, everyone (lawyers and county officials included) conducted themselves like this was an episode of Night Court, which wasn’t the least bit professional. There was constant giggling and joking from all involved. This complete lack of decorum would never fly in the city.
It’s a shame that such a beautiful, historic courthouse is so riddled with problems.