Courtyard ... huh?
Definitions of courtyard (n)
court·yard [ káwrt yrd ]
/QUOTE]
- open space surrounded by walls: an area of ground that is surrounded by buildings, lies inside a large building, or is adjacent to a building and enclosed by walls
It's a business expression meaning to do it in public . As in a public execution (ie firing) in the open area in front of everyone. In the old days that's how they got everyones attention.