Justice Court in Nîmes, Courthouse in Nîmes, France

The Justice Court in Nîmes is a courthouse featuring neoclassical architecture with six Corinthian columns and a central portico overlooking the Charles de Gaulle esplanade. The building houses multiple courtrooms and administrative offices that serve the local judicial system.

The site held the Maison du Roi under the Ancien Régime; after the Revolution it was demolished and replaced by a first courthouse finished in 1811, soon judged too small by Napoleon's administration. Plans by Gard architect Gaston Bourdon were ready in 1833, modelled on the Maison Carrée, and the first stone was laid in 1838. Costs soared from 246,000 to 737,000 francs, and the courts moved in only in 1848.

Inside, the ceilings of the third chamber were painted by Numa Boucoiran with La Justice protectrice and La Justice répressive. In the Chambre correctionnelle the same artist painted two large historical subjects: Caracalla after the murder of Geta, and Achille de Harlay on the Day of the Barricades. The coffered ceilings, stuccos and woodwork are also notable.

The courthouse faces the Esplanade Charles-de-Gaulle, beside the Roman arena in the city centre, so it is reached on foot from the arena and the surrounding streets. It is an active court: access is restricted during hearings and identification is required at the entrance.

The 1833 budget set aside 246,000 francs, but by the time the building was nearly finished in 1845, 737,000 francs had already been paid, mostly by the French state. The huge scaffolding erected for the works drew crowds of onlookers in Nîmes. Interior fitting-out continued until 1848, when the judicial authorities finally moved in.