Supreme Court

The highest court in the land is also the head of the least prominent branch of government: the United States judiciary. As such, the actual Supreme Court building, one of the last Greek classical structures built in DC, isn’t as iconic as the Capitol or the White House (the respective centers of the legislative and executive branches). This suited a few folks just fine in the past. When the building came up in 1935, some justices felt it was too large, and didn’t properly reflect the subdued influence of the nine justices within. The design scheme was to create, in typically Federal government style, a Greek Temple of Justice. 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. The interior grand corridor and Great Hall are no less impressive. Downstairs is an exhibit on the history of the court and a striking statue of John Marshall, fourth chief justice. Friezes within the courtroom also depict legal history and heroes, which has caused no little debate among Americans. On days when court’s not in session you can hear lectures about the Supreme Court in the courtroom. When court is in session, try to hear an oral argument. Lines form out front starting at 8am: 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 10am 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 Washington Post ’s Supreme Court calendar listing or the Supreme Court website for case details.