It has been ten years to the day when the Lassen County Hall of Justice was dedicated. However, first some background. In 1997, the California Legislature passed the Trial Court Funding Act. In essence, the state would take over the courts, where in the past it was a county function. In Lassen County the transition was slow.
In early 2000s, planning began on a separate facility for the Lassen County courts. There was debate as to where to build it. The site selected was on Riverside Drive. When the $38.9 million building was completed it was the most expensive public works project in Lassen County.
The original superior courtroom in the Lassen County Courthouse remained intact, and used primarily for ceremonial functions. Once the current courthouse renovation project is completed it will become the meeting room for the Lassen County Board of Supervisors.