After Boston's top federal law enforcement official launched a widely publicized crackdown on shops and bed-and-breakfasts that lacked proper ramps and wide doors for wheelchair access on historic Nantucket Island, the Boston Globe reported that if the complaints went to trial, it would be in a brand new courthouse that itself massively violates handicap-access standards: its jury boxes and witness stands can only be reached by way of steps.

"We looked at the possibility of building in permanent ramps that were retractable, but it was such a burden on the budget we just couldn't do it," said General Services Administration project manager Paul Curley. The courthouse does, however, feature English oak paneling, a 45,000-square-foot glass wall overlooking the harbor, "spacious waterfront chambers for judges, and a five-story Great Hall."

†