As discussed in the previous section, the Cook County Courthouse adopts a number of significant elements and symbols that are found in the architecture of certain ancient Graeco-Roman structures. But beyond these, some of the building's decorations intentionally refer to specific classical sources for the purpose of expressing the ideals it strives to represent.

Possibly the most direct classical inspiration adopted by the courthouse is the pair of eagles carved into its corners. In Ancient Rome, the aquila - also known as the imperial eagle – was a symbol used by the military to represent power and legion.

Its inclusion into the courthouse's design is notably fitting, as the building is meant to evoke a status of strength and authority. What is even more significant, however, is how each eagle sits above a panel with the inscription “S.P.Q.C”. This is a modified adaptation of “S.P.Q.R”, which stands for 'The Senate and People of Rome'; here, it stands for 'The Senate and People of Chicago'. By drawing a direct comparison between both cities, this decoration emphasizes Chicago's understanding, as well its goal to convey the importance for the courthouse to act with power on behalf of a united people.

Marcus Tullius Cicero, one of Rome’s greatest politicians, lawyers, and orators, explains in one of his speeches that “[Law] Is the source of justice. The mind, and spirit, and wisdom, and intentions of the city are all situated in the laws … The ministers of the law are the magistrates; the interpreters of the law are the judges; lastly, we are all servants of the laws, for the very purpose of being able to be free” (Cicero, Pro Cluentio). To summarize, Cicero held the belief that the existence of the courts was unequivocally integral to the republic’s prosperity – and it was this philosophy that Chicago aimed to promote.

Cicero deemed that the function of the courts was a fundamental necessity to the governing of a free state, and in being so, the failure of the courts would mean the failure of the entire republic. This idea served as one of the major foundations that allowed Rome to develop into and sustain the most powerful, dignified, and prosperous empire in the ancient world. In correspondence to this, the contemporary adaption of 'The Senate and People of Rome,' now referring to Chicago, exemplifies the city's ambition to restore its image as a united state of justice and peace, with no tolerance to those who challenge it.

Sources:

Aquila (Roman)." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation. Web.

Beard, Mary. SPQR: a History of Ancient Rome. Profile Books, 2015.

Cicero, Marcus Tullius and Jones Daniel Maillard. Cicero: Pro Cluentio. W.B. Clive, 1896.

Hall, Eric E. "Cook County's Criminal Court and Jail in the Making." The Western Architect 38.9 (1929): 155. Google. The Western Architect Publishing Company, 30 Oct. 2009. Web.

Mark, Joshua J. “Roman Standard.” Ancient History Encyclopedia, 19 Feb. 2014. Web.