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The Supreme Court

Address: 1 1st St. NE, Capitol Hill, Washington, DC | Map It
Phone: 202/479-3000
www.supremecourtus.gov

Category: Government Buildings
Location: Capitol Hill

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Fodor's Review:

It wasn't until 1935 that the Supreme Court got its own building: a white-marble temple with twin rows of Corinthian columns designed by Cass Gilbert. Before then, the justices had been moved around to various rooms in the Capitol; for a while they even met in a tavern. William Howard Taft, the only man to serve as both president and chief justice, was instrumental in getting the court a home of its own, though he died before it was completed. Today you can sit in the gallery and see the court in action. Even when court isn't in session, there are still things to see.

The court convenes on the first Monday in October and hears cases until April. There are usually two arguments a day at 10 and 11 in the morning, Monday through Wednesday, in two-week intervals. On mornings when court is in session, two lines form for people wanting to attend. The "three-to-five-minute" line shuttles you through, giving you a quick impression of the court at work. The full-session line gets you in for the whole show. If you want to see a full session, it's best to be in line by at least 8:30. For the most contentious cases, viewers have been known to queue up the night before.

In May and June the court takes to the bench Monday morning at 10 to release orders and opinions. Sessions usually last 15 to 30 minutes and are open to the public.

The Washington Post carries a daily listing of what cases the court will hear.

You can't bring your overcoat or electronics such as cameras and cell phones into the courtroom, but you can store them in a coin-operated locker.

When court isn't in session, you can hear lectures about the court, typically given every hour on the half hour from 9:30 to 3:30. On the ground floor you can also find revolving exhibits, a video about the court, a gift shop, an information desk, and a larger-than-life statue of John Marshall, the first chief justice.

The Supreme Court has a cafeteria, open to the public from 7:30 to 10:30 and ll:30 to 2, and a snack bar, open from 10:30 to 3:30. Both are located on the ground floor.

How does a hard-working Supreme Court justice unwind? Maybe on the building's fifth-floor basketball court, known as "the highest court in the land." It's not open to the public, but try to imagine Antonin Scalia and Ruth Bader Ginsburg trading elbows in the lane.

Cost: Free
Open: Weekdays 9-4:30; court in session Oct.-June
Metro: Union Station or Capitol S

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