The US Supreme Court

As the highest court in the land, the US Supreme Court is the country’s bastion of justice.

The Supreme Court of the United States

The Supreme Court of the United States, often referred to as SCOTUS, is the highest part of the Judiciary Branch of our government. The Judiciary is the third branch of our government and is responsible for deciding important cases. Primarily, SCOTUS determines whether a law or a case is consistent with the Constitution of the United States.

The Building where the court now resides is not the oldest building in DC. Its cornerstone was laid in 1932, which was actually the 143rd year of the Supreme Court’s existence. Although the building itself is not particularly old, its architecture is nonetheless quite detailed and majestic. The style of the architecture is influenced by classical Corinthian architecture. Additionally, the Supreme Court Building contains a number of intricate sculptures, which also attract visitors.

The Court has a lot to offer visitors. The ground floor alone is home to exhibit halls, a cafeteria, and a gift shop. It is even possible for visitors to sit in on oral arguments whenever the court is in session. Seating inside the court is limited and visitors are seated on a first-come, first-seated basis.

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Capitol Building Useful Links

United States Supreme Court

 

Interesting Facts

  • A fox wandered into the Building on January 13 of 2002. Despite being spotted several times on security cameras, the fox managed to elude capture for more than 24 hours.
  • Before the Building was completed in 1935, the Supreme Court was held in the basement of the Capitol building.
  • President Taft took the initiative to persuade Congress to give the Court its own building. He had been a Chief Justice before he became president.
  • The fifth floor of the Court Building contains a Basketball court, dubbed “The Highest Court in the Land,” because it is on a higher floor than the Supreme Court itself, which convenes on the second floor of the building.

 

 

 

Federal Government Attraction Links

Washington DC Capitol Building – CAPITOL BUILDING

United States Supreme Court – SUPREME COURT

The White House – WHITE HOUSE

National Archives – NATIONAL ARCHIVES

Other Sites

White House Visitors Center

Capitol Hill Visitors Center

Supreme Court of the United States – Additonal Information 

The United States Supreme Court Building is the seat of the Supreme Court of the United States, the highest federal court of the United States. It is located at 1 First Street, NE, in Washington, D.C., between the United States Capitol and the Library of Congress. The building was designed by Cass Gilbert and completed in 1935.

The Supreme Court Building is a large, neoclassical building made of white marble. It is 385 feet long, 304 feet wide, and 285 feet high. The building has a central dome, which is 285 feet high and 100 feet in diameter. The dome is made of copper and is covered in gold leaf.

The Supreme Court Building is open to the public for tours. Tours are available Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except on federal holidays.

The Supreme Court is normally in session from October to June. The Court hears oral arguments on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. The Court usually releases its decisions on Thursdays and Fridays.

The Supreme Court is the highest court in the United States. The Court has nine justices, who are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. The justices serve for life, or until they resign or retire.

The Supreme Court hears cases that involve important legal issues. The Court’s decisions are binding on all lower courts in the United States.

The Supreme Court is an important part of the American system of government. The Court plays a vital role in interpreting the Constitution and ensuring that the laws of the United States are fair and just.

The Supreme Court Building is a beautiful and impressive building. It is a symbol of the American system of government and the rule of law. It is a National Historic Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

For additional information abou the SCOTUS, visit this link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supreme_Court_of_the_United_States