Representatives Susan Davis and Scott Peters sponsored the federal legislation to name the building for the two judges after surveying local community groups.

[6] The building is located to the west of the Edward J. Schwartz United States Courthouse, and north of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court.

The building "triumphs", wrote one critic, "as a graceful departure from the lumpish mediocrity of its neighbors, as a guardian of green space at the heart of the city, and by transforming public perceptions of the law in action".

[8] The structure won a National Architecture and Engineering Award from the American Institute of Steel Construction and LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

[9] Three large, boldly-colored panels by longtime San Diego artist Kim MacConnell have been installed in the Jury Assembly hall.