Show pageOld revisionsBacklinksBack to top This page is read only. You can view the source, but not change it. Ask your administrator if you think this is wrong. ======Ministry Courtrooms====== =====Location Information===== * **Type:** Official Tribunal, Courtroom * **Location:** [[Level Ten]], [[Ministry of Magic]], [[London]], [[England]] * **Owner/Residents:** The [[Ministry of Magic]]; primarily used by the [[Wizengamot]]. During the [[Second Wizarding War]], they were commandeered by the [[Muggle-Born Registration Commission]]. * **Key Features:** Subterranean location, dark stone walls, tiered benches for the [[Wizengamot]], and a single chair for the accused equipped with magical chains. =====Description and History===== The [[Ministry Courtrooms]] are located on [[Level Ten]], the lowest level of the [[Ministry of Magic]]. They are described as having a grim, dungeon-like atmosphere, with dark stone walls and minimal lighting from torches. The layout consists of rows of tiered benches arranged in a semi-circle for the members of the [[Wizengamot]] to sit, looking down upon the accused. In the center of the room stands a solitary chair where the defendant is seated. This chair is enchanted with chains that can spring to life and bind the person sitting in it, as witnessed by [[Harry Potter]] in [[Albus Dumbledore]]'s [[Pensieve]]. Historically, these courtrooms have been the venue for the most serious trials in the [[Wizarding world]], overseen by the [[Wizengamot]]. Following the [[First Wizarding War]], many captured [[Death Eater]]s were tried here, including [[Igor Karkaroff]], [[Ludo Bagman]], and the group consisting of [[Bellatrix Lestrange]], [[Rodolphus Lestrange]], [[Rabastan Lestrange]], and [[Barty Crouch Jr.]]. While typically reserved for major criminal cases, the courtrooms were also used for disciplinary hearings of a political nature, such as [[Harry Potter]]'s hearing for improper use of underage [[magic]]. During the period when the [[Ministry of Magic]] was controlled by [[Lord Voldemort]], the courtrooms became instruments of oppression, used by the [[Muggle-Born Registration Commission]] to persecute and falsely imprison [[Muggle-born]] witches and wizards. =====Role in the Story===== The [[Ministry Courtrooms]] appear at several critical moments, often symbolizing the state of justice and corruption within the [[Ministry of Magic]]. * **//Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire//:** [[Harry]] first sees the courtrooms through [[Dumbledore]]'s [[Pensieve]]. He witnesses the trials of several [[Death Eater]]s from the end of the [[First Wizarding War]]. These memories provide crucial exposition on characters like [[Igor Karkaroff]], [[Barty Crouch Sr.]], [[Barty Crouch Jr.]], and [[Bellatrix Lestrange]], establishing their histories and allegiances. * **//Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix//:** [[Harry]] is tried in [[Courtroom Ten]] for casting a [[Patronus Charm]] in the presence of a [[Muggle]]. The trial is a politically motivated attempt by [[Minister for Magic]] [[Cornelius Fudge]] to discredit [[Harry]] and [[Dumbledore]]. Tried before the full [[Wizengamot]], [[Harry]] is ultimately cleared of all charges thanks to [[Dumbledore]]'s legal defense and the testimony of [[Arabella Figg]]. The event starkly reveals the Ministry's paranoia and corruption. * **//Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows//:** Under [[Voldemort]]'s control, the courtrooms are used by the [[Muggle-Born Registration Commission]], headed by [[Dolores Umbridge]]. [[Dementor]]s are present to torment the accused [[Muggle-born]]s. [[Harry]], [[Ron Weasley]], and [[Hermione Granger]] infiltrate the [[Ministry]] and disrupt the trial of [[Mary Cattermole]], freeing her and other [[Muggle-born]]s while also retrieving [[Salazar Slytherin's Locket]] from [[Umbridge]]. This act demonstrates the complete perversion of justice at the [[Ministry]]. =====Known Areas Within===== * **[[Courtroom Ten]]:** The specific courtroom where [[Harry Potter]]'s disciplinary hearing was held. It is located on the bottom level of the [[Ministry]]. Its appearance is identical to the courtrooms [[Harry]] had previously seen in the [[Pensieve]]. =====Behind the Scenes===== * In the film adaptation of //Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix//, the courtroom is depicted as a vast, circular, and multi-storied chamber, far grander than the dungeon-like room described in the novel. The accused stands within a metal cage that rises from the floor into the center of the room. (film)
