The United States Supreme Court holds a unique and important position within the American governmental system as the highest court in the nation. Through rulings on cases brought before it, the Court helps to shape how laws are interpreted and implemented. While much is known about the Supreme Court’s role and powers, there are also some lesser-known facts about its history, procedures, and impact.
1. The Origins Of The Supreme Court Building
The Supreme Court building itself has an architectural history dating back over 200 years. Construction first began on the Court’s building in the 1930s based on a design by architect Cass Gilbert Jr. Prior to having its own dedicated space, the Court met in various locations within the U.S. Capitol building. The present neoclassical building on 1 First Street Northeast in Washington, D.C. was completed in 1935. Some key design elements paying homage to historical jurisprudence include carved marble figures representing the Contemplation of Justice, the Authority of Law, and the Power of Government.
2. Only 9 Justices Serve At A Time
While the number of federal appeals courts and district courts can fluctuate over time, the Supreme Court has maintained a consistent membership of 9 Associate Justices since 1869. This number is not mandated by the Constitution but was set by Congress through legislation. Having an odd number of Justices helps ensure that any decisions can be reached by a majority rather than a tie. It also keeps the Court a relatively small deliberative body compared to lower federal courts. Also, the court hears only exclusive cases like DAPA y DACA corte suprema.
3. The Supreme Court Building Has No Front Door
A somewhat perplexing aspect of the Supreme Court’s neoclassical architecture is that the front façade facing the street contains no formal entrance. Visitors instead enter through doors on the building’s east and west sides. This was a conscious design choice meant to symbolize that the Court belongs to the people and has no special privilege of high standing above other branches of government. Though peculiar, omitting a front door reinforces the Court’s role as an institution of public service rather than one that isolates itself.
4. Television Cameras Were Recently Allowed
For most of its history, the Supreme Court prohibited any audio or visual recordings of its oral arguments being made publicly available. This changed starting in the 2019 term when C-SPAN was given permission to televise and livestream select cases. While a relatively new development, televising arguments has burst the Court’s work to a broader viewing audience. It also demystifies the judicial process that had long relied solely on written transcripts. However, some question if televising may subtly influence how justices and lawyers present their cases.
5. Rituals Guide The Justices’ Behavior
Specific protocols, customs, and rituals help maintain decorum and structure the Supreme Court’s proceedings each term. Some notable examples include the Justices always addressing each other as “Justice [Last Name]” in open sessions. They also follow an unofficial code to avoid directly questioning one another and instead allow their views to be expressed through an advocate’s responses. Such ingrained habits help the collegial Court navigate complex legal issues in a formal yet respectful manner.
6. The Clerk’s Office Manages Operations
Behind the scenes, the Supreme Court Clerk’s Office plays an integral role in overseeing the Court’s administrative functions and case docket. The Clerk, who is appointed by the Chief Justice, and Deputy Clerk lead a staff that maintains filings, organizes conferences, issues notices and decisions, and more. They ensure the smooth operations of an institution that receives thousands of petitions annually and crafts rulings that profoundly shape American law. The professionalism of the Clerk’s employees sustains the integrity of the judicial process.
7. Justices Serve For Life Unless…
While most federal judges in the lower courts face periodic renewal or retirement timelines, Supreme Court Associate Justices maintain lifetime appointments once nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate. This allows them to decide cases freely without worrying about re-election or reappointment pressures that could inhibit impartial judgments. However, justices must still abide by standards of good behavior. Congress can also impeach a justice, though this has never happened. Remaining in good health is also key, as resigning or passing away are currently the sole ways a seat opens on the Court.
