Supreme Court

Lonely Planet review

The Supreme Court of the United States convenes in an imposing 1935 all-marble building designed by Cass Gilbert. The seated figures in front of the building represent the female Contemplation of Justice and the male Guardian of Law; panels on the 13,000lb bronze front doors depict the history of jurisprudence. Downstairs is an exhibit on the history of the court and a striking statue of John Marshall, fourth Chief Justice.

On days when court's not in session, you can hear lectures about the Supreme Court in the courtroom (and check out its lofty architecture). When court is in session, try to hear an oral argument. Queues form out front starting at 08:00 : choose the appropriate one depending on whether you wish to sit through the entire argument or observe the court in session for a few minutes. Justices hear arguments at 10:00 Monday to Wednesday for two weeks every month from October to April. The release of orders and opinions, open to the public, takes place in May and June. Check the Post 's Supreme Court Calendar listing or the Supreme Court website for case details.