What is "The Courthouse Steps"??

[Adam Scheetz]

Greetings All, I'm a novice here trying to tap this fountain of knowledge so thanks for indulging. When studying up on REO, (pre) Foreclosures, notes, etc, I keep seeing the phrase "...on the Courthouse Steps." Can some elaborate or provide guidance on this. Is it proverbial, metaphorical, or can I literally go to my local Courthouse with a checkbook and have my cake and eat it too? Thank you, Adam